Gunnison Country Magazine, 2024-25

To p left to right: Bet Egelhoff, Erin Croke, Joe Summer v i l l e (Office Manager), Bobby Overturf, Steve Mills, Mary Hakala (Marketing Mana g e r ) , Mindy Costanzo, Trent Bona, Emma DeHaven ( M a r k e t ing & Office Coordinator), Bud Bush (Principal ) , Bria n Cooper, Chrissy Mitchell.

Inside Inside

GUNNISON GUNSLINGERS

Notorious outlaws of the "wild west"

CRAVING ANTOJITOS

Mexican street food arrives in Gunnison

EVELYN ROPER & OPAL MOON

28 years serenading Western Slope audiences

LAKE CITY LEGACY

Grant Houston has published the Lake City newspaper for 45 years

ASPECTAVY

A new backcountry avalanche safety tool

FIREBIRD THEATRE

Taking performance art to new heights

Gregg Morin

Captured

Kenzie Perkins Valladolid

An American Bald Eagle is alert for prey in early winter in the Gunnison Valley.

EDITOR’S NOTE

MANY TALES, ONE TAPESTRY

BY BONNIE GOLLHOFER

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Gunnison County currently hovers at around 17,267 souls. That’s quite a lot or a precious few, depending on who you ask. I first set eyes on this remarkable region as a teenager during a backpacking trip in the early 2000s. Although much has changed over the years, one thing remains steadfast: our little corner of Colorado contains multitudes. Those of us who make our lives here hold backgrounds and beliefs as diverse as the stars in the sky atop Kebler Pass.

explore but lack the necessary resources and experience to feel confident taking on the challenges of the backcountry. Motorcycle enthusiasts band together after a devastating loss to support mental health awareness. One man’s passion for Lake City history expands into a 45-year career at the helm of one of the oldest newspapers in the state. College students, immigrants and long-time locals gather in one of Gunnison’s newest dining establishments for authentic Mexican cuisine and community connection.

Within the pages of this year’s Gunnison Country Magazine, a stunning array of stories await. Ranchers and conservationists work hand-in-hand to preserve fragile ecosystems and family legacies. Outdoor recreation experts open the door to those who wish to

In short, the fabric of the Gunnison country is vibrant, resilient, compassionate and tightly woven. Whether you’re here for decades or just a day, there’s magic to be found in these mountains. n

PUBLISHER

Alan Wartes

EDITOR

Bonnie Gollhofer

EDITORIAL

Bella Biondini

Abby Harrison

Alex McCrindle

Mariel Wiley

Bonnie Gollhofer

Chris Dickey

Hannah Cranor-Kersting

William Spicer

Enid Holden

Toni Todd

Seth Mensing

SALES DIRECTOR

Steve Nunn

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Issa Forrest

PRODUCTION

Alan Wartes

Issa Forrest

Thanks go to all those who contributed photography. Please see individual photo credits.

Interested in contributing photography? Reach out to production@gunnisontimes.com.

ALAN WARTES MEDIA

Copyright ©2024. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. No part may be transmitted in any form by any means including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without permission of the publisher. Any work (written, photographic or graphic) which the publisher “hired-out” becomes the property of the publisher. Publisher accepts no liability for solicited or unsolicited materials lost, damaged or otherwise.

For more information regarding this publication or other special publications of Alan Wartes Media, call 970.641.1414, or email publisher@gunnisontimes.com

Renata Sieck

ABOUT the cover

BY MARILYN RODMAN

On an evening in late June at my extended family's ranch up Ohio Creek Road, we enjoyed this lovely sunset with an incredible view of the Anthracites and Beckwith Pass. Many children in our family have grown up with this view and many special memories have been made here. That’s hard to beat!

— Marilyn Rodman

G G G E R U U N N N N N S S S L O I I

BY ALEX McCRINDLE

Notorious bandits and outlaws

‘laid

low’ in western Colorado

It was early June in 1882. The summer sun had dried the dirt streets of downtown Gunnison. Cattlemen, miners and townsfolk sauntered along, casting long shadows in the dusty haze.

Two men, a newspaper reporter and local businessman, peered across Main Street and noticed a pair of unusual figures. They were rather tall and finely dressed gentlemen.

One, with a drooping mustache that curled at the ends, wore his hair slicked back. He stood leaning against a wall with two guns strapped high under his arms. They were two of the most notorious gunmen in the wild west.

The Gunnison Daily-News Democrat reported the story in 1882.

“Do you know who that is?” the reporter asked.

“That's Wyatt Earp from Arizona, and there’s his brother, Warren. ‘The Tiger,’ they call him,” the businessman said.

“They don’t look like bold, bad men do they?”

“The Tiger is a good one, but you ought to

see him turn himself loose. He’ll just grab his two six-shooters, shut his eyes and wade in. He’s a holy terror when he gets started.”

Long before Gunnison became an outdoor paradise, it was an ideal hideout for history’s most notorious outlaws. In the 1880s, goldmining hysteria had left Leadville, Colorado and turned its eyes on the Gunnison Country. An influx of greed-fueled prospectors, eager to get their paws on mining claims, rushed into a town already dominated by the cattle industry.

The equally dissolute miners and cattlemen had ignited a boom town. Within years, Gunnison was home to almost 100 saloons and dancing halls and hosted some of the greatest circuses and acting troupes from across the nation. But alongside the national recognition came a less friendly crowd. Infamous train robbers and gunslingers, looking for an escape route or a place to lay low, settled in the quiet sagebrush hills of Gunnison.

When sipping a whiskey at Kochevar's Saloon in Crested Butte, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid may come up in conversation. According to local legend, in 1889, Butch and Sundance were on the run after robbing the Telluride Bank. It was one of Butch’s first major scores, and led to his bank and train robbery rampage into the 20th century. His gang, known as “The Wild Bunch,” fled north,

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Downtown Gunnison during the mining boom. (Courtesy Larry McDonald, Pioneer Museum)

continued from 15

escaping the lawmen of Grand Junction. They ended up on bar stools at Kochevar’s.

Even in a rough and tumble mining town like Crested Butte, the patrons of Kochevar’s still had some civilian manners. Visitors were required to remove their six-shooters before sitting down for a drink. Butch and Sundance disarmed, purchased a fine bottle of whiskey and put their feet up for a minute.

“Here they come!” a gang member shouted.

All hell broke loose as a posse of lawmen rode into town. Caught up in the excitement, Butch famously forgot his revolver, but remembered the bottle of whiskey. To this day, the Kochevar’s family still has the gun and the legendary tale.

“It’s a true story,” said Gunnison Valley historian Duane Vandenbusche. “Butch and the Kid were running from the law along the famous ‘Outlaw Trail,’ which ended in Brown’s Park, near modern day Dinosaur National Monument. They took a roundabout way and ended up in Crested Butte.”

The story of Butch and Sundance is rooted in local legend and hearsay, but Gunnison newspapers confirmed the residence of other famous outlaws. Jesse and Frank James were

continued on 18

Several sites with beautiful locations in a quiet neighborhood. Panoramic mountain and valley views, Tomichi Creek meandering through, ponds, open space, and nature’s bounty. Recreation opportunities galore with golfing, hiking, biking, and cross-country and downhill skiing, and prime fishing less than an hour from your property. A wonderful place for you and your custom home amid your slice of paradise. Priced from $299,000 to $429,000.

located on a pond and near Tomichi Creek. This 2100+sq.ft. custom home has gorgeous walnut cabinetry, quartz counters, hardwood flooring, in floor heating, natural gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, formal dining and living rooms, ground floor master suite and 2 more bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a loft sitting area and an oversized attached garage. Make your appointment to see this quality built new home in one of Gunnison’s finest locations. Move in right away and begin enjoying it for generations. $1,490,000.

TOMICHI CREEK PROPERTIES

Cattlemen and horses stand along muddy Main Street in Gunnison in the mid-1880s. (Courtesy Duane Vandenbusche)

reported to have hidden out in the Gunnison Country in the early 1880s after a holdup. The two bank robbers and their wily band known as the Frank-Younger Gang, had made quite the name for themselves.

The James brothers gained national fame after robbing a bank in Gallatin, Missouri in 1869. Both brothers served in the confederate army, and considered themselves “bold robbers,” like “Robin Hood or Alexander the Great,” according to a PBS biography. For 15 years, the gang escaped posses, rode across the American West and terrorized banks and rail companies. During that time, Jesse and Frank hid out four miles above Parlin, just east of Gunnison, at the John B. Coats Ranch.

A Gunnison News Champion article from 1939 described their visit.

“Ike Johnson, an old timer, told about seeing and recognizing Jesse James at the Coats Place in 1880. Ike recognized Jesse, and looked at him rather sharply, as his group of men stood in the barnyard. Jesse drew Ike aside. ‘Hello Ike,’ he said. ‘My name is Brown here. You understand.’”

The James brothers' time in Gunnison was uneventful. The pair seemingly worked under false aliases for a few months, letting the steam surrounding their robberies dissipate. Billy the Kid, however, brought his own version of hell to the valley.

Billy was a slim, cock-eyed gunfighter who famously claimed to have killed 21 men. Unlike the James brothers, who ran from the law for almost two decades, The Kid’s career burned out as quickly as a drop of gasoline in a campfire. At the age of 21, the young thief and murderer was gunned down by a lawman in the streets of Fort Sumner, New Mexico.

Before his death, Billy worked at a sawmill in Pitkin. It seems the gunslinger wasn’t cut out for the lumber business, as he reportedly ran off and robbed a stagecoach northeast of Gunnison in 1881.

“Billy the Kid was a hard one,” the Gunnison News Champion reported in 1931. “He wasn’t very tall, and always looked at you with one side of his mouth hanging open. One day, he quit working at the sawmill, and set out on foot with a blanket under his arm. He walked a mile and then held up the stage when it came by. Then he took off for the hills on foot, and was never caught.”

Of all the famous gunslingers, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday were reported to have stayed in Gunnison the longest. In 1882, Earp, the former Dodge City, Kansas lawman, was famous for his quick hand. He moved to Tombstone, Arizona with his three brothers and friend, Holiday, to retire and cash in on the mining business. However, after feuding with a gang of cattle rustlers, the Earp brothers gunned down three cowboys at the

A cowgirl with a gun holstered high on her waist poses with a lasso, Gunnison 1880s. (Courtesy Duane Vandenbusche)

OK Corral, cementing their names into the history books.

Wanted for murder in Arizona, the Earps fled to Colorado. Wyatt, his brother Warren, and Doc were reported to have camped out along the Gunnison River. In the meantime, Wyatt offered his service to local law enforcement and ran a gambling operation in the second story of a Main Street building.

“Wyatt Earp and a bunch of pals arrived in Gunnison three jumps ahead of Tombstone police officials,” the Gunnison News Champion reported in 1930. “The men camped down the Gunnison in the spring of that year. They decided to stay in Gunnison and keep quiet until the storm blew over. Holliday was the only one that seemed to drink much, and the minute he got hilarious, the others promptly took him and disappeared.”

By 1884, the mining bonanza had departed the dusty streets of Gunnison. Prospectors hiked out of the West Elk Mountains and the once vibrant frontier town was left mostly forgotten. The golden age of cowboys and gunslingers faded into history with the 19th century.

Still, on quiet summer nights, locals may hear the click-click-click of spurs in the streets, or catch a glimpse of the silhouettes of hooped skirts and cowboy hats. n

(Alex McCrindle is the Gunnison Country Times sports editor.)

DINING GUIDE

POWERSTOP

THE DIVE

Come Dive in! Great food, patio, full bar, amazing beer & even better company. TheDiveGunnison.com 213 W. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.1375

MARIO'S

Pizza, salads and Italian cuisine. Catering available. Dine in, take out, delivery. mariosgunnison.com 213 W. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.1374

1880 TAPAS & SPIRITS

Classic Spanish tapas with a Colorado flair. Paired with exceptional cocktails & wine. Dinner only.

Open Wed. - Sat. 1880tapas.com

206 N. Main St. • 970.707.4331

BLACKSTOCK BISTRO

Open Mon.-Sat. at 5 p.m. Wednesday is ramen night. 122 W. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.4394

Voted best burger 15 years, best wings five years, best bakery and best bartender. Burgers, beer, coffee and more. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Everyday 7 a.m.-11 p.m. powerstop.com. 905 N. Main St. • 970.641.2328

DELEKTABOWL

Live life one bowl at a time! Delicious and healthy bowls, smoothies and other eats. Check us out on social media! delektabowl.square.site

Mon. - Thur. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sat. - Sun. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 970.707.4033.

SPENNY'S ICE CREAM

Open 7 days, noon - 9 p.m.

Open Memorial Day - Labor Day(ish) Proudly serving Third Bowl homemade ice cream 200 W. Tomichi Ave.

TACOCAT TACOCART

Serving West Coast tacos and Mexican inspired street food for lunch (and occasional brunch)

See our social media or call for hours. 206 N. Main St. (Behind 1880 Tapas & Spirits) 970.209.6707 • @tacocattacocart

ALMONT

THREE RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE

Open 5/24-10/6 from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. BBQ, burgers, sandwiches and smoked meat platters! Outdoor patio & bar, catered event space. 3riversresort.com 130 County Rd. 742 • 970.641.1303

THE ALMONT RESORT

A rustic retreat rich in history, featuring vibrant events and elevated dinner foods. Set on 88 acres, the resort occupies an 1890s lodge with guest cabins that have been thoughtfully renovated. Seasonal activities bring life to every inch. Dining, lodging, events and live music! 970.641.4009.

CRESTED BUTTE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Fine chocolates, handmade fudge, ice cream, caramel apples, cappuccino/espresso, fresh-baked cookies, giant peanut butter cups, kids candy, boxed chocolates for take home gifts. Bottled water and Pepsi® products. We love visitors, second homeowners and locals. Family owned and managed. Open late. 314 Elk Ave. • 970. 349.0933

Your guide to local dining in Gunnison, Crested Butte and Almont

ELK AVE. PRIME STEAK HOUSE

Elk Ave. Prime Steak House is located in the heart of downtown Crested Butte on Elk Avenue. We feature the highest quality hand cut steaks. We have a vast array of import and domestic beers, as well as the largest wine selection in the valley. You can enjoy any of our drinks from our outdoor patio or cozy up next to our fireplace. It’s great after a long day of skiing, mountain biking or hiking. 970.349.1221.

THE WOODEN NICKEL

Beloved by locals, this historic establishment was reassembled by the community after a devastating fire in 1985. The original “bar’ still stands, which traveled by train from Philadelphia to Leadville, circa 1895, and was delivered by horse-drawn wagon to Crested Butte. Today, the Nickel provides riffs on era-specific cocktails and modern drink trends, serving cuisine that defines a new category, the “Colorado Bistro." 970.349.6350

BRUHAÜS

This upscale, but affordable tap room features 20+ taps with Colorado beers, tap wine and batched cocktails. The menu will have some Bavarian, alpine influence and will feature a wide variety of elevated tavern fare. From appetizers to burgers and a few eclectic entrées, the beautiful BruHaüs patio, complete with a firepit and a historic shed that serves as an outdoor, three-sided heated bar, is the perfect place to enjoy an evening in Crested Butte! bruhauscb.com.

ELK AVENUE FOOD AND BEVERAGE

ALMONT RESORT

Full service Colorado comfort food

• Open 7 days per week

• Happy hour 2-6 (every day)

• Dinner: 4-9 (sunday through thursday)

• Dinner 4-10 (Friday and Saturday)

• Bruch 8am-2pm (Saturday and Sunday)

• Private events: contact events@elkavefnb.com

• Live Music!

• 970.641.4009

SCAN FOR RESERVATIONS

WOODEN NICKEL

• Open 7 days a week

• Lunch: 11-2

• 4-6 happy hour

Prime steak and seafood

• Open 7 days a week

• Dinner 5-9pm sunday through thursday

• Dinner 5-10pm saturday and sunday

• Private events: contact events@elkavefnb.com

• 970.349.1221

• 5-9 dinner (monday through thursday)

• 5-11 dinner (Friday and Saturday)

• 10-2 brunch (Saturday - Sunday)

• Private events: contact events@elkavefnb.com

• 970.349.6350

Historic eatery Mountain tavern Opening summer 2024

• Open 7 days per week

• Open at 11 closed at 10 (Sunday through thursday)

• 11-11 Friday and saturday

• Private events: contact events@elkavefnb.com

ANTOJITOS CRAVING

TACOS LA ESQUINA BRINGS

CHIHUAHUAN STREET FOOD TO THE GUNNISON VALLEY

BY ENID HOLDEN

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Acolorful, recent addition to the culinary scene, Tacos La Esquina, or “Tacos Corner,” is a vibrant Mexican landmark welcoming visitors to West Gunnison. In addition to the fire-engine-red food truck which serves as a kitchen, the venue features extensive outdoor seating on the front patio to enjoy Gunnison’s legendary sunshine and offers a highly visible splash of Latino culture to the southwest entrance to the community on Hwy. 50.

For owner and chef Silvia Veronica Perez Hernandez, Tacos La Esquina is a dream come true. Hernandez found herself imagining, dreaming and remembering the number 618 for several years prior to this endeavor. But it wasn’t until she serendipitously ran out of gas in front of the seemingly abandoned building at 618 West Tomichi Ave. that she examined the location up close. Applying a little imagination to the run-down site, she and her husband, Porfirio Godines Santellan, decided this could be an ideal venue for a new enterprise. They ended up with a contract to purchase it.

Hernandez was then able to establish her Mexican street food business, expanding her home-based taco making factory and creating a second revenue stream for the couple. It also affords a living space and a great location. The restaurant serves the Gunnison community healthy, traditional,

home-cooked meals.

Hernandez said her training as a stylist gives her servings an aesthetic edge. Her main intention is to prepare everything with love and to provide an alternative to junk food. She grew up watching five women in her family cook for their families, so it comes naturally to mix flavorful ingredients and provide healthy options for the community. The restaurant also provides plenty of indoor dining in quaint, whitewashed rooms plastered with colorful papel picado (decorative paper) and striped Mexican weavings for colder days. In addition, soft drinks, Mexican packaged foods and artifacts make a lively display in the indoor café.

‘Little cravings’

Mexico has one of the most extensive street food cultures in the world, where countless culinary traditions began. From the invention of the corn taco to the sizzle of a tortilla in hot oil, what makes these dishes so special is the deep history associated with the foods and the complex culture that underlies them. Street food, called antojitos, means “little cravings” and is prepared by vendors and small markets. Street foods typically include tacos, tamales, quesadillas, tostados and soups.

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Fresh limes in a container in the kitchen.

Tacos are the national dish of Mexico. The food dates back to the silver mines of the 18th Century, when the word “taco” referred to wrapped gunpowder that miners used to blow out ore. Today, the word signifies the leading street food and fast-food item in Mexico (thin, flat, griddle-baked corn tortillas topped with numerous fillings) folded and eaten with the hands.

Tacos can be anything eaten on a soft tortilla, but there is an infinite variety on offer at Tacos La Esquina — all deeply rooted in Mexican tradition and culture. Everything from classic carne asada (thinly sliced meat, grilled and topped with salsas, onions and a

lime wedge) to beef, pork or chorizo. Hernandez also serves flavorful chicken and seafood dishes.

I ordered a serving of chicken tacos (usually three soft tacos, which come in a basket of delightful layered fillings of your choice) with fried yellow onions, raw onion, chopped cilantro and seasonings, all topped off with grilled jalapeno and lime wedges. In addition, three traditional sauces added to the color, spiciness and exotic flavors. Red salsa is very hot, thin guacamole is made with no lime or garlic, and jalapeno and tomatine combine to make a milder green salsa.

Delicious burritos, tortas, tostada de ceviche, Mexican sodas and specialty foods, as well as corn soup (corn in a cup) and freshly

made chile relleno burritos are other available options which I will reserve for future visits.

A thriving community

Tacos La Esquina has been growing since May of 2023, when the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce staged a formal ribbon cutting. Since then, the restaurant has acquired an active following and become something of a cultural center where customers gather for traditional foods.

Students from Western Colorado University have helped spread the word and often support it, especially on Friday evenings.

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All dishes are cooked in the kitchen at the rear of the building.

“Maggie has been an important and effective partner from the moment we began using her services. Her responsive communication style certainly made the process more enjoyable and effective. We would recommend her to anyone buying or selling property in the area!” — Bobby C.

Papel picado (decorative paper) and Mexican tapestries adorn the cozy dining area.

Tacos La Esquina offers

Mexican snacks and drinks.

FOSSIL RIDGE PACK LLAMAS

Rent a Llama

continued from 25

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They come to eat, hang out and practice their Spanish. Hernandez said one student, injured from a ski accident, made his friend drive him over on his crutches to order his favorite food.

The restaurant is close to Gunnison High School and many students find it a convenient place to gather. Hernandez says that the business has evolved, with everyone from construction workers to high school and college students all having a say in the hours of operation and the items on offer. Construction workers pick up burritos as grab-and-go items and often eat their lunches on the patio in the afternoons.

Hernandez has plans to add bar service and new additions to the summer menu. Gorditas (closed tortilla pouches with fillings) and tortas with sausage (similar to hot dogs but with more vegetables in the filling) are on deck. Future plans include transitioning the operations of her husband Santillan’s Gunnison restaurant, Agave, to this new location that they own together.

Tacos La Esquina provides a bridge be-

tween Spanish-speaking and immigrant residents, locals and students. The atmosphere encourages cultural engagement and fosters community connections that make everyone feel accepted and comfortable. As such, the establishment was awarded an Arts In Society grant for an outdoor mural from the Gunnison Creative District. The grant funds projects that help arts organizations and individuals find solutions to social challenges in Colorado communities. An artist has been selected to lead the project and high school participation is envisioned, as well as input from the community about what they want to see included. Placement of the mural is yet to be determined.

There is no longer a need to travel to Mexico to enjoy authentic Mexican street food. Thanks to Hernandez and her family’s hardworking efforts, you can find it right here on Tomichi Avenue. n

(Enid Holden is a Gunnison writer, artist and foodie.)

Tacos La Esquina is located at 618 W. Tomichi Ave. in Gunnison.

ALTITUDE WHERE STEM MEETS

INNOVATION AT 7,723 FEET

Earn an esteemed computer science or engineering degree accredited by the University of Colorado Boulder in the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains at Western Colorado University. With small classes, brand-new facilities, dedicated faculty, and a focus on hands-on learning, Western delivers a personalized experience that adds value to your degree. Outside of class, students take advantage of the many outdoor pursuits the Gunnison Valley has to offer, from skiing, hiking, rafting, mountain biking, and more.

'SHOW UP, BE A GOOD PERSON'

HILLBILLY JOKERS MOTOR CLUB

FOCUSES ON MENTAL HEALTH

(Photos by Abby Harrison)

BY ABBY HARRISON

They rode in a pack of nearly 50, flanked on both sides by motorcycle riders that stretched along I-70 as far as the eye could see. Shannon Shrieves and his wife, Stephanie, flew along a portion of the interstate between Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs with the Wounded Warriors project. They maneuvered to the front of the pack, ahead of the group of riders that was making its way across the country. When Shannon looked in his rearview, his vision filled with specks of light bouncing on the horizon.

For Shannon and his fellow riders in the Gunnison Valley-based Hillbilly Jokers Motor Club, the sensation of being one rider among many is akin to a “brotherhood,” and a visceral experience unmatched by any other. A rider can sense the most prosaic details in the landscape: the smell of sage in high desert air, and the tune of wind whipping past the curved metal of a bike.

“You're riding for life,” said Hillbilly Jokers member Corby Hudson. “Everything we stand for is a better life and love … We’re trying to represent life in the best way.”

Paul Coleman founded Hillbilly Jokers in the summer of 2023 after connecting with other residents interested in hot rods, motorcycles and cars. Although the club now has members in Denver, Pueblo and Grand Junction, most of the Hillbilly Jokers are longtime locals. Many of them graduated from Gunnison High School and now work in construction, painting, plumbing, restoration and design.

Being a motor club, rather than a motorcycle club, is a clear line in the sand for the Jokers. They don’t claim any territory or fly “rockers,” colored patches that identify the group’s name or a rider’s rank. Historically, motorcycle clubs have been exclusive and meant for certain groups of people, Coleman said.

"Our club is men, women, black, white, Hispanic, Chinese — we don’t care,” he said. “You have to have a lot of passion for internal combustion engines and what they can do. Later, you also must be willing to do community service.”

When Coleman moved to the valley nearly 25 years ago, he had a mohawk, leather jacket and gauged ears, not the typical picture of a local, he said. Despite his unique appearance, he was welcomed almost immediately — a gesture of tolerance and cooperation that he

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A still from a GoPro video, taken while the group was riding this year. (Courtesy Paul Coleman/Hillbilly Jokers Motor Club)

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and the other members feel has waned over the years.

In an effort to bring it back, the club started planning community events that would simultaneously support those who might be in need. During Thanksgiving in 2023, the club held an open meal at Backcountry Cafe, and served at least 150 people with help from Luna Bakery and West Elk Equine. During the holiday season, club members ran a toy drive and gave gifts directly to families.

“None of us in this room grew up privileged,” said Hillbilly Jokers member Damon Parker. “We all know what it's like to want something and not get it.”

The hope is that these events provide a comforting space for community members year-round, especially during Gunnison’s long winters. Not everyone can afford a ski pass, but they still need a safe place to go, connect with friends and find some joy, Stephanie said.

“People don't understand that not everybody can just jump in and do [outdoor sports] because mom and dad work three jobs and they're barely making it … That’s a part of it, too. We want to make our community better for everyone. Not just those people that have money,” she said.

A tragic loss

At the beginning of 2024, the group lost member Jacob Martin to suicide. Since then, the club has added a focus on mental health and well-being to their outreach. Members built a putt-putt hole for a suicide awareness event in March, and Coleman started using his industrial-grade embroiderer to sew patches in Martin’s honor. For other members, riding keeps distressing thoughts at bay when life gets challenging.

“People always say that the bike's going to kill you someday,” Coleman said. “But that bike saves my life every day.”

While the club offers a space to talk about combustion engines and ride the long highway lines of western Colorado, it’s primarily a place for everyday brotherhood, Coleman said. Shoveling snow, fixing a sewer line or simply tightening a bolt on a bike are all within the scope of being a Hillbilly Jokers member.

"No matter what, whenever or whatever you need, all you have to do is call somebody there to pick up the slack,” Parker said.

Members are now working to expand the club’s impact in the community. Coleman, who works in information technology (IT), is developing a website so people can sign up for future programs. The Hillbilly Jokers board means to keep Martin’s memory alive by seeing his dreams through: a motocross track, go-kart racing, an indoor skate park and even buying the former Sonic building and turning it into a community clubhouse — the latter perhaps more on the “dream” side of the list, Coleman said.

First up is a permanent home for Hillbilly Jokers on Coleman’s ranch outside of Gunnison. The upstairs would offer a space for meetings and community events, while the downstairs would be an automotive co-op, welcoming all to fix their bikes and talk shop.

“You get a bunch of good people together, and all of a sudden good stuff starts happening,” Coleman said. n

(Abby Harrison is a Gunnison Country Times staff writer.)

(Top) Damon Parker, Stephanie Shrieves, Shannon Shrieves, Rob Thiede and Corby Hudson. (Bottom) Paul Coleman.

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The Gunnison Valley Health Foundation is an IRS designated nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible. Those who pay Colorado State Income Tax are also eligible for an Enterprise Zone tax credit on their Colorado return. Donations of $100 or more earn

IN THE LIGHT OF AN

OPAL MOON OPAL MOON

BY BONNIE GOLLHOFER

(Photos Courtesy Evelyn Roper)

Gunnison-based musician, songwriter and visual artist Evelyn Roper has been bringing her signature Ameri cana sound to venues across the mountain west for nearly three decades.

Born into the saguaro-speckled landscape of southern Arizona, Roper was enveloped by music. Her parents, both students at the University of Arizona, shared their love of sound with her from the beginning. In one of her earliest memories, Roper recalled hearing Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” from her crib. Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were family favorites.

Following her parents’ divorce, Roper’s time was divided between Tucson, Arizona, and her mother and stepfather’s rural desert home. Her everyday existence was steeped in creativity and exploration, from experiencing city life to running “feral” in the country, she said.

At age 9, Roper was helping her mother clean out a storage shed when they discov ered a dusty, forgotten trunk. Inside was a three-quarter size guitar. Her mother plucked it from the trunk and started playing.

“She showed me two things and I thought she was a rock star,” Roper said. “She got me [guitar] lessons and I’ve loved it ever since.”

Roper’s stepfather introduced her to classic blues and the western swing and country stylings of Bob Wills, Jimmy Rogers and Hank Williams.

“We had the greatest [music] library of everything,” she said.

Roper’s stepfather purchased every release available by musicians he admired. If an album didn’t include printed lyrics in the packaging, he would spend hours listening to it, meticulously writing each word down in a notebook. One album in his collection was the soundtrack to Disney’s “The Jungle Book.” While hearing this record and reading the lyrics, Roper first made the connection that for every song, there was a person who had written it.

Roper wrote her first song at 13 and occasionally played guitar at gatherings of family and friends. But becoming a working musician and songwriter wasn’t on the radar until she moved to Gunnison in 1996 with her husband, who was born and raised in the area, and their two young sons.

“I never thought I’d be a professional musician or vocalist,” she said.

Early opportunities

While working at Gunnison Bank and Trust, Roper encountered local musicians Chico Dominguez and Rawhide (Porter Phelps) when they performed at the bank’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. She immediately recognized the country and western

The news you need. The excellence you deserve.

Evelyn Roper with her custom Opal Moon guitar.

music of her past.

Later that evening at karaoke, Roper’s coworkers encouraged her to meet Dominguez. She didn’t realize the jam session that would follow was an audition.

“If you’re going to be in this band, you can’t play guitar,” Dominguez said. Roper sang Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” and joined the group as a vocalist.

Around that time, Roper answered an ad seeking talent for the western show band at Waunita Hot Springs Ranch. She became a regular fixture with her guitar there for over a decade. Roper formed her own band, Fossil Ridge, in the mid-90s, though she didn’t initially intend to take the spotlight on lead guitar. That role was reserved for her friend and notable Nashville songwriter, Tom Willis. But Willis arrived without his guitar to the band’s first show and told Roper it was her time to shine.

“He pulled me aside and said ‘You have a [unique] sound, you can do this,’” she said.

For the next four years, Roper sang and played lead acoustic-electric guitar in the band.

Interpreting the songs of beloved artists like Johnny Cash has always been a fulfilling part of her musical journey, Roper said. But it was through traveling to western music

BIKES

gatherings that she found acceptance, encouragement and community for her original songwriting. These out-of-state events occur annually and are a haven for both amateur

POUTINE DRINK WHISKEY

and professional writers to network, workshop new material, perform and support each other's creative efforts.

“That’s where I really started writing,” she said.

Opal Moon

Appreciators of the Gunnison Valley music scene will recognize Roper as the frontwoman of Opal Moon, named after one of her original songs. She created the band in 2000 (after Fossil Ridge dissolved) and continues to perform under the moniker to this day. Members have come and gone over the years, but her “music brothers,” Johnny Congo and Sean Turner, are longtime contributors. She often drops in to perform with their bands as well.

Roper shies away from labeling her musical style as country, preferring the terms Americana, American roots music and blues, she said. A variety of genres are at home in her setlists.

“If I like it, I’ll do it,” she said.

In addition to her love of all things musical, Roper enjoys photography and is a prolific painter. She took up painting in 2009, initially following the techniques of television star Bob Ross, who “made it look easy and fun.” Inspired by the natural beauty of the Gun-

Roper and her Fossil Ridge bandmates, Mike Ambler, Gary Crisp and Markus Stratman in 1997.

continued from 39

nison Valley, Roper spends time experimenting with floral designs and landscapes almost every day.

“If I’m not writing something or doing art, I’m probably sleeping,” she said.

Finding common ground

Growing up in rural Arizona, Roper was surrounded by hippies, cowboys and artists: people who may have disagreed politically, but set aside their differences to survive in rugged desert conditions, far from many amenities.

“I knew I was loved by everybody and I was encouraged,” she said. “Even though I didn’t put it together [at the time], I was around super creative, independent and authentic people who did not look like the norm. Those people shaped me.”

This spirit of community is what Roper aims to foster through sharing her music and art today.

“Every stroke, every lyric is me and it is vulnerable to put that out there, but it’s connection. If I show a little bit of vulnerability … My hope is that other people will do the same,” she said. ”[Music] is a language everyone can speak even if you don’t know the words.”

Evelyn Roper and Opal Moon will play shows throughout the Gunnison Valley this year and have plans to record a new studio album. Her music is available on Reverbnation, YouTube and Facebook. n

(Bonnie Gollhofer is the editor of the Gunnison Country Magazine.)

Local landscapes and wildflowers are the inspiration behind many of Roper’s paintings.

Home Range ON THE

BY HANNAH CRANOR-KERSTING

(Photos

courtesy of Hannah Cranor-Kersting)

Conservation easement preserves local ranch for years to come

Cranor-Kersting

You can tell that Bob Robbins, a fifthgeneration rancher, and Kaden Robbins, a seventh-generation rancher, have a great deal of passion for what they do in the Gunnison Valley. Bob owns Robbins Ranch, located west of Gunnison. He and his grandson share the same passion for conservation easements and the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy.

A conservation easement precludes land from development, while offering tax benefits. This will make it easier to pass Robbins Ranch to the next generation, allowing Kaden to continue his dream of working the land. Easements also lower the property value, which, in turn, lowers the tax burden for future generations.

“I never wanted to do anything other than ranching,” Bob said. “I didn’t know anything else. Putting our place under conservation has made it easier to pass the ranch on to the next generation.”

Deep roots

Bob’s great-great-grandfather homesteaded in the Iola Valley in the late 1870s. While Bob’s grandfather was busy ranching in Iola, his great-uncle, Clyde Burris, purchased a ranch up Steuben Creek in 1915. The Robbins family proceeded to use both ranches to run their successful hay, cattle and horse operation.

The Iola Valley was home to many agriculture and recreation-based activities. In the early 1960s, the National Park Service and the Bureau of Reclamation signed an agreement to build a dam for a lake (now Blue Mesa Reservoir) that would eventually flood three river basins. This agreement changed the course of history for all in the valley, including Bob and his family.

Family members held onto their Iola Valley ranch until 1964, when the lake filled and the property flooded. They were forced to move the operation to the current Steuben Creek location. This immediately changed how they used the Steuben Creek ranch. Now, it was the year-round location for ranching, not just seasonally as it was before. To accommodate, the family switched to a hay and horse operation and stopped running cattle.

After the family’s ranching operations changed, Bob attended college and continued on 45

Seventh-generation Gunnison rancher Kaden Robbins and his nephew, Dean Madison Jenkins, ride together at Robbins Ranch.

The Robbins Ranch, circa 2007 (left) and as it appears today (right).

continued working at Steuben Creek until he was drafted. He was placed in aviation and had a long career in the Air Force, and later, the National Guard. Bob commuted to Denver to work in the National Guard and private industry, but returned to the ranch every chance he had to continue the family business.

Making money became more difficult after the Iola Valley flooded, so the family decided to place the ranch in conservation easements. This happened in three phases, spanning from 2004 to 2021.

“We lost the highly productive bottom ground with the creation of Blue Mesa,” Bob said. “The higher ground is just not financially self-sufficient. We saw guys around us splitting up family ranches and decided that we did not want this to happen to us. We wanted our ranch to stay a ranch forever.”

Bob and Kaden appreciate the beauty of their ranch and the importance it has, especially considering the family’s history in Iola.

“It is important to me to keep the ranch productive, and I would love to start a cattle herd again,” Kaden said. “Growing up seeing the ranch every day, I lacked respect for the land. The past five or six years I have grown to respect how incredible this country is. We are spoiled to be up there. The point of easement is to keep it as amazing and beautiful as it is today.”

A tough climate

Now more than ever, young agricultural producers face steep challenges to stay in business. The United States Census of Agriculture shows that the average age of farmers and ranchers is increasing — from 56.3 years in 2012 to 57.7 years in 2017. According to AgriLegacy, an organization that brings awareness to the importance of preparing for the future of farming, only 29% of ranching operations have a plan in place to pass ranches on to the next generation. Combined, these two factors create a daunting future for young producers.

“My grandpa taught me to irrigate, and I can’t wait to teach my grandkids,” Kaden said. “The easements allow this to be possible.”

The easements also enabled Robbins Ranch to improve infrastructure. The family has upgraded diversion structures and barns. Kaden reminisced about the condition of their old hay barn.

“My dad fell through the roof and broke some ribs — even punctured a lung,” he said. “We were all at hunting camp when it happened. We thought maybe he got kicked by a horse.”

The barn was replaced in 2015, and the

continued from 45

Robbins family is grateful to have the new infrastructure, made possible by the proceeds of the easements.

“The legacy program was a really good fit,” Bob said. “It allowed us to meet our management goals and keep this ranch operating.”

Keeping legacies alive

Bill Trampe, a rancher, and Susan Lohr, the former director of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, created the nonprofit Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy (GRCL) in 1995. Trampe and Lohr have different backgrounds, but share the same concerns around protecting ranchland in the Gunnison area. They began investigating what a traditional land trust might offer to ranch families. In the end, they realized that the best way to protect agriculture was to keep families on the land by raising the funds necessary to purchase conservation easements.

Conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements between landowners and a second entity. They impose restrictions on land use, such as prohibiting any development on the property. These restrictions are permanent and ensure that the land remains

intact as a single parcel. In exchange for agreeing to these restrictions, landowners receive financial benefits. They maintain ownership of the land and retain all other rights associated with it, such as the ability to pass it on to their heirs. It's important to note that conservation easements do not alter the typical rights of private property ownership. For example, they do not grant public access to the land.

GRCL’s mission is to conserve ranchland through easements and preserve ranching in the Gunnison Basin. The organization walks conservation-minded landowners through the easement process and works on their behalf to place easements on Gunnison Valley lands. Staff first help landowners assess their needs and future plans. They then locate an appropriate land trust, find funding to pay for the easements and complete the legal aspects of the transactions.

As of 2024, GRCL has conserved more than 63,000 acres in over 120 easements. They have helped over 80 Gunnison Valley families and have conserved about 50% of all private agricultural lands in the Gunnison Basin.

The group’s mission is a shared ideal that can be found throughout the valley, as demonstrated by the county’s Gunnison Valley Land Preservation Fund. This initiative

was started in 1998 and is funded by Gunnison County taxpayers. The fund covers the transactional costs of easements in a variety of ways. This eliminates financial barriers for many landowners, who otherwise would not be able to afford easements.

GRCL works confidentially, helping families connect with the resources they need to meet their management goals. They also advocate for the landowner throughout the process.

“We want to support agriculture and working lands in the Gunnison Basin,” GRCL Executive Director Stacy McPhail said. “We take great pride in supporting these families and their goals for their land.”

Members of the Robbins family continue to express their gratitude for GCRL and the conservation easement process.

“I got to put my nephew on a horse for the first time on our ranch,” Kaden said. “I was able to ride with him, and just being able to bring my family out to the ranch for years to come is so amazing. I can’t wait.” n

(Hannah Cranor-Kersting is the Gunnison County Colorado State University Extension county director and agriculture agent. She is a third-generation cattle rancher, born and raised in Gunnison.)

The original Robbins family ranch in the Iola Valley, circa 1963.

A

Captured Mountain Magic Media

Legacy Legacy LAKE CITY

Grant Houston has published town’s beloved newspaper for 45 years.

(Photos courtesy of Grant Houston)

BY CHRIS DICKEY

Getting old can be RUFF . . .

Those who love Lake City — residents and visitors alike — are lucky that Grant Houston’s parents had occasion to leave town for a day or two while he was a youngster growing up there in the late 50s and early 60s.

On those occasions, “old timers” would look after Houston and pass the time by telling stories about the area’s rough-and-tumble beginnings as a mining boom town. Those tales, often punctuated with chapters on famous gunfights or hangings, caught young Houston’s attention.

“I was mesmerized,” he recalled. “That’s how I was entertained.”

Houston, now 69, never lost that fascination with the stories surrounding his beloved community in the San Juan Mountains. He has dedicated his life to both preserving the area’s earliest history and writing the first draft of the life and times of its current residents as the longtime owner and operator of the Lake City Silver World newspaper.

His has been a remarkable run, defined by an unwavering commitment to a place and its people.

“There is not a person in this town whose life isn’t touched by Grant Houston,” said Debra Goodman, a Gunnison native, Lake City resident and owner of the local Matterhorn Motel.

A storied history

The search for gold in the San Juan Mountains came early, starting with an 1848 expedition led by the famous U.S. military officer John C. Fremont. But it took more than 20 years for roads to become accessible, enabling the flow of prospectors to grow from a trickle to a steady stream. The boom came, though, as the rugged and remote San Juans proved to be rich in mineral deposits.

Lake City became the county seat of Hinsdale County in February of 1875, as several mines up the nearby Henson Creek and Lake Fork drainages were panning out. Town leaders — including Otto Mears, who rose to prominence by taking an entrepreneurial approach to road building — did what all town leaders of that era did: they started a newspaper. This was done to promote their upstart community and its capital to any outside individuals who might be looking for new opportunities in the “far west.”

On June 19, 1875, the first edition of the Lake City Silver World was published, boastcontinued on 50

ing of becoming “the only paper in Colorado published on the Pacific Slope.” There were three initial subscribers, only one of whom was actually willing (or able) to pay the $3 subscription fee.

Little-by-little, Lake City grew. Riches were won and, mostly, lost. The railroad came and went. Inevitably, the mining-based economy played itself out.

Because of Lake City’s remoteness, the hardships that come with a very mountainous climate and the fact that well over 90% of the county’s land mass is publicly owned (and therefore off-limits to rampant development) it never grew to the size of other Western Slope communities. But it never died, either. A mid-20th century contingent of hardy souls, bolstered by a seasonal influx of recreation seekers, grew determined to keep the community alive.

This is the town that Grant grew up in. His dad, Jim Houston, was the first locally-based game warden — a position that could occasionally muster the type of tension that made headlines during the area’s “wild west” days.

Today, the population of Hinsdale County remains less than 1,000 full-time residents, with fewer than 500 people living in the Lake City community.

Formative years

The Houston family relocated to nearby Gunnison when Grant was going into the seventh grade, but they never severed roots with Lake City. Grant went on to attend Western Colorado University (formerly Western State College), became acquainted with an upand-coming history professor named Duane Vandenbusche and led the campus newspaper, the “Top O’ the World,” for a couple of years. But Lake City and its rich history eventually called him home.

Houston started by founding the Hinsdale County Historic Society in 1973, in part because he wanted to create a permanent home for the precious archives of the area’s early days, as faithfully recorded in the historic Silver World.

The Silver World ceased publication in 1938, with intermittent-at-best coverage of the area through a short-lived startup publication, or the weekly “Lake City column” in the Gunnison News-Champion. This left a huge gap in the historical record of the town. That alone was enough to inspire a young history buff with an inclination toward journalism to act.

The town’s newspaper was reborn on May 26, 1978, with a hearty subscriber list of 77 individuals. Grant was 23 years old and oversaw most aspects of the business — reporting, photography, advertising sales and distribu-

tion. His mom, Betty, was his proofreader. He tracked down the family of the paper’s last owners, forty years hence, to get their permission to use the Silver World title.

A passion for community

Phil Virden was a young transplant to Lake City in the 1970s. He gained local notoriety by taking a chance on the community and opening a movie theater.

“These were incredibly challenging projects to undertake in such a small and isolated mountain town, but the Silver World, the Hinsdale Museum and the Mountaineer Movie Theatre have become significant parts of the culture of the community,” Virden recalled.

Virden said he and Houston quickly became friends “in those magical days of Lake City,” when the town literally lived at the end of the road (Hwy. 149 south of town, over Slumgullion Pass, had yet to be paved). Townspeople became accustomed, maybe even enamored, with seeing themselves reflected in the few (usually eight) pages of the Silver World that Grant would publish every week.

“Grant reports on everything Lake City,” Virden said, “from government meetings, to events, to happenings with our school kids, to the joy of a birth of a new Lake City citizen to

continued on 52

Grant Houston has been the publisher of the Lake City Silver World for over four decades. (Photos by Chris Dickey)

An index card from Houston's detailed collection covering years of Lake City happenings.

Houston gives school children a tour of the Lake City Museum in 1995. (Courtesy Grant Houston)

continued from 50

the sorrow of the death of a person who called Lake City home.”

The position was a perfect marriage of Houston’s passions for history and community journalism. Long before the internet age, Grant began curating nuggets of information on town happenings going back to the beginning, impeccably typed onto 5x7-inch index cards, alphabetized and neatly stored in filing cabinets.

Today, opening one of these drawers to thousands of note cards is like doing a Google search for “it happened in Lake City.”

“His week-after-week documentation of what’s happening in this community is an amazing gift,” said Kristie Borchers, a Hinsdale County commissioner and the director of Lake City’s downtown economic development organization. “I feel like he set Lake City on the trajectory of really embracing our history.”

Despite this monopoly on news coverage (the Silver World today has about the same number of subscribers as there are residents of the county), the economic realities of doing business in a small and seasonal town (winters are awfully quiet, despite a growing contingent of ice climbers who visit) have kept the paper operating on a shoestring budget.

Houston is quick to point out that he’s always had great help, usually in the form of guest contributors and one employee. Hines worked for him for about 16 years. Currently, Jennifer Rightsell helps with meeting reporting, office management and other duties.

But for more than 45 years, Grant, a lifelong bachelor, has been married to the community and tied to the weekly cycle of putting out its paper.

“Talk about dedicated,” said Robert Hurd, Hinsdale County commissioner and Lake City resident since 1974.

“Not only is he successful with the Silver World, but he’s a staple to the Lake City community,” said Lily Virden, Phil’s daughter and local elementary school teacher.

Paul Vickers, now in his 50s and living in Gunnison, grew up in Lake City as part of a well-known local family. He is the fourth generation to call the community home, and is quite accustomed to his and his family members' names and faces being in the newspaper.

“When I think of Grant, I can see him sitting with his yellow tablet, basically doing shorthand at every event going on in this town,” Vickers recalled. “He’s always there, ever-present in the community.”

Vacations have been few and far between for Houston. But Phil Virden recalled one time, early on, when Houston had an opportunity to travel to England and asked if Virden could cover things at the paper while he was gone.

“It was an incredible experience,” Virden said, “but I was absolutely exhausted after operating it. To think Grant has operated the weekly Silver World for [nearly] 50 years is utterly amazing.”

Small town, big stories

Coverage in the Silver World goes beyond who’s visiting who and whose dog has disappeared. Occasionally, headline-grabbing events happen in and around Lake City, attracting the attention of the outside world.

In 1994, Sheriff Roger Coursey was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on suspected burglars. In the late 90s, a team of researchers exhumed the century-old skeletal remains of the traveling companions of the “Colorado Cannibal,” Alferd Packer, confirming that they had been murdered and eaten. In 2008, a wealthy Texas man was charged, but never convicted, of killing his wife while visiting their vacation home not far from town.

Through all of these events and the

inevitable hot-button local issues — usually involving the burgeoning presence of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and their regulation — Houston’s even-handed approach and attention to detail seemingly always garners praise.

Hurd, who is completing his first term as a Hinsdale County commissioner after a 33-year stint as its road and bridge supervisor, agrees — despite sitting on the other side of the political aisle from Houston, who is a registered Democrat.

“I’ve yet to see anything that he doesn’t cover exactly like I remember it,” Hurd said. “It ain’t like he picks and chooses. It’s a great little paper.”

Houston’s work is regularly recognized by his peers. While these records aren’t kept, he’s likely won more Colorado Press Association (CPA) awards over the years than any other journalist in history — 19 last year alone. He’s certainly among, if not the, longest tenured newspaper owner in the state.

In 2023, the Silver World received CPA’s “General Excellence” award as the most outstanding newspaper of its size. This wasn’t Houston’s first time receiving the honor.

His obituaries, in particular, are legendary. They’re often lengthy, colorful, fact-filled tributes to a person’s contributions to the community — largely aided by the meticulous records, especially of old-timers, he kept over the years.

“I take pride in those,” Houston said. “It’s kind of like their last hurrah, especially for people who had a big impact on the community. I think they deserve it.”

Vickers still has a copy of the obituary Grant wrote for his grandpa, Perk Vickers, in 2014.

A wry sense of humor is a Houston trademark. But it’s his kindness and the pride he takes in fostering community that sets him apart from his fellow citizens.

“In this day and age, it’s the media that’s dividing us,” said Debra Goodman, the motel owner who once worked for the Gunnison Country Times. “But not in Lake City. Here,

it’s just the opposite, and that’s because Grant’s tone is so kind and gracious and respectful.”

Borchers agrees. Lake Citians are “mountain people” who “know how to fight,” she said. But political differences don’t matter when a community member is in need, or there is a good cause to support. Houston is at the heart of this spirit of togetherness, she said.

“He is such a super, civil gentleman,” Borchers said. “It’s almost like he’s from a different era.”

Passing the torch

Better than most, Houston knows that nothing lasts forever. He acknowledges that this chapter in the history of this storied newspaper, proudly the first on Colorado’s Western Slope, will come to an end someday.

“I’m almost 70 years old,” he said. “I can’t do this forever.”

Plus, he has other passions he’d like to pursue, including writing another book or two. He published two on Lake City history in the 1970s: “Lake City Reflections” and “The Cemeteries of Lake City.”

“Lord knows I have the material,” he deadpanned.

Still, he doesn’t have a concrete succession plan. He remains too busy covering the news, keeping his feelers out for important birthdays, anniversaries and get-togethers to give much thought to actually selling his business.

“I don’t even have a price in mind,” he said. “Most important is that it continues.”

Townspeople are circumspect on that prospect.

“Boy, I don’t know,” Hurd said. “You’re never going to get another Grant.” n

(Chris Dickey is a former publisher of the Gunnison Country Times.)

WILDWOME N of COLORAD

UNCHARTED OUTDOORS TEACHES INDEPENDENCE IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

BY MARIEL WILEY

Before humanity shifted to agriculture 12,000 years ago, humans spent hundreds of thousands of years as hunter-gatherers. Most narratives about this lifestyle depict men as hunters and women as foragers. Colorado-based guide outfitter Uncharted Outdoorswomen is rewriting that script and teaching women how they can bring home the catch of the day, too.

Uncharted Outdoorswomen, founded by Coloradan Erin Crider, hires women guides to lead outdoor excursions specifically tailored for women. Each educational program helps women break into the male-dominated worlds of hunting, fishing and other wilderness pastimes. In the Gunnison Valley, events such as ice fishing, rabbit hunting and fly fishing clinics led by local Uncharted guides equip women with the lifelong skills they need to get outside.

“I’m a lifelong angler, but I’m what I call an ‘adult-onset hunter,’” Crider said. “No one ever invited me to go hunting. I had to find the opportunity.”

Crider became a waterfowl guide after

struggling to find guides in northeast Colorado that catered to groups of women clients. When Crider started Uncharted in 2021, she thought that she would only teach basic fly fishing, duck hunting and scouting skills. But by creating a space for women to gain an education in hunting, fishing and more, she also provided a safe working environment for the female guides who taught them.

Uncharted is one of the few legally-registered U.S. outfitters that employs all-female guides across Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Oregon. The outfitter’s guided experiences are tailored to provide increasing levels of instruction on activities like fly fishing, rabbit hunting, horseback riding and more.

When working for traditional guiding outfitters, some women are harassed by employers or receive lower pay than men, Crider said. This experience can be exacerbated for guides who have recently become mothers and are viewed as “unreliable” workers by their employers if they can’t find babysitters on short notice, she added. This assumption can result in employers passing off work opportunities to other guides.

In addition, women who recreate offer an untapped revenue stream for maintaining public lands. Money raised from sales of fishing licenses and hunting tags goes back

continued on 56

guide

continued from 55

into the conservation of public lands by the National Parks Service, the National Forest Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Currently, only 9% of the United States population has a fishing license. Of that small group, 37% are women, who make up the fastest growing demographic of license holders.

“Taking those steps to fall in love with the outdoors creates revenue via fishing license money every year for our public lands,” Crider said.

However, women tend to fall out of fishing and hunting due to a lack of continued education opportunities that build on previous knowledge, she said. This is the gap that Crider hopes Uncharted can close: providing education that enables women to continue hunting and fishing independently, even after attending the company’s guided outings.

In Uncharted’s clinics, instruction for each field starts from the ground up, covering the basics of equipment, etiquette and setting a solid foundation of technical knowledge. More advanced courses lead clients to apply previously acquired knowledge to new terrain or pursue more challenging game animals, like elk. Guides alternate between demonstrations and leaving plenty of time for

clients to ask questions. This ensures that no member of the group gets left behind during the lesson.

Former Uncharted Gunnison-based hunting guide and self-described “bird nerd,”

It's important for there to be educational outlets for women to be taught by other women.

— Erin Croke, Uncharted guide

Gabby Zaldumbide took pride in reconnecting women to missed opportunities to get outdoors.

“Maybe her family hunted when she was growing up, but she never got to go,” Zaldum-

continued on 58

Melissa Lux and her partner, Dustin Lux, sweep a hill during an Uncharted Outdoorswomen rabbit hunt in February, 2024.

Offroading

Melissa Lux made the trip to Gunnison from the Front Range to participate in the February rabbit hunt.

Fishing guide Ema Muslic prepares to drop a line into Blue Mesa Reservoir.

bide said. “Now she’s a 35-year-old woman who wants to shoot an elk to feed her 4-yearold, and she doesn’t know where to start. That’s where Uncharted gets to come in.”

Firearm safety, ethical shooting practices, hunting laws and acquiring the correct gear are just a few of the “knowledge-base barriers” that burgeoning hunters face when entering the field, Zaldumbide said. Learning this crucial information becomes challenging when guided experiences don’t cater to different learning styles.

Zaldumbide noticed that compared to her male clients, the women she guides tend to be more attentive to detail, aware of their body movements and eager to receive and apply feedback. In her experience, traditional guided excursions often left Zaldumbide with unanswered questions.

Similarly, Uncharted horseback guide Erin Croke saw that her female clients learned best through observation and communication, while her male clients preferred to learn through trial and error.

“I think women really come out of their shell and are more comfortable to ask the questions and get involved when there’s not a man present,” Croke said. “It’s important for there to be educational outlets for women to be taught by other women.”

Another crucial — and perhaps overlooked — benefit of the safe spaces created by Uncharted is that women can decide for themselves what level of recreation they enjoy. Whether women go on to seek out week-long elk hunts deep in the wilderness or prefer a quiet afternoon fishing close to home, either choice is just as valid.

“It’s finding that space to decide for your-

self,” Croke said. “It’s just very empowering to have the skills and knowledge. Whether you choose to use them again or not is a rite of passage.”

Crider is hard at work hiring guides and event hosts across Colorado, Montana, Oregon and Wyoming. In addition to vetting and training future Uncharted guides, Crider is busy building community with events like happy hours and gear swaps. Her long-term dream includes operating across the nation.

“The rocket science that public lands and hunting educators can’t figure out is that

women need community, confidence and opportunity,” Crider said. “That’s all they need, and that’s our objective.”n

(Mariel Wiley is the Gunnison Country Times photo editor.)

Muslic helps participants set up several fishing stations across the lake. As they fish, she wanders between groups to chat and offer pointers.

Hunting guide Gabby Zaldumbide discusses basic firearm safety with a rabbit hunt participant.

Barry Vogt

Captured

Hayden Lilly Daiber

Fall colors grace the remains of an early settler's cabin in the

Gunnison Valley.

ASPECTAVY: A SIMPLER WAY TO STAY ALIVE

IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN

BY BELLA BIONDINI

(Photos by Bella Biondini)

Crested Butte local launches

AspectAvy in hopes of reducing avalanche fatalities

With its unpredictable snowpack, Colorado leads the country in the number of avalanche deaths each winter. A Crested Butte-based mountain guide is hoping a new avalanche risk assessment app he’s pioneered helps to change that.

Launched late last year, AspectAvy is a new risk management tool designed to make staying alive in avalanche terrain simpler. By mapping high risk zones and encouraging active observations about the snowpack, its interface gives skiers and riders what they need to make more informed decisions when recreating in the backcountry. Although it is not a substitute for checking the daily forecast or formal avalanche safety training, its creators hope continued on 64

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AspectAvy saves lives.

Jeff Banks, who co-founded AspectAvy with product designer JB Leach, is an internationally certified mountain guide and has taught avalanche courses for the last two decades. According to Banks, the current avalanche system is antiquated and doesn’t meet the needs of today’s backcountry skiers and riders — something that is reflected in the number of avalanche deaths seen each year.

Banks had a moment of realization 12 years ago on the last day of a ski tour in Italy

when an avalanche broke right under his feet. For a split second, he said he thought he was going to die. Banks quickly jumped clear of the slab he was standing on, but the rope attaching him to his clients became taut and the group slid 1,500 feet. When they finally came to a stop, the skiers brushed off the snow, unscathed.

Other guides and their clients had been crossing the same slope for days, but Banks was the one that hit the “landmine.”

“I have the benefit of all that training, and decades of experience and I got it wrong,”

Banks said. “How's a normal person supposed to stand a chance? That caused me to re-examine everything I thought I knew.”

Avalanches don’t happen everywhere, and usually occur on slopes steeper than 30 degrees and in runout paths that can be much flatter. Because of this, huge swaths of terrain are still safe even when overall conditions are dangerous. Still, the snowpack is complex and ever changing, which can make decisionmaking a challenge — especially for those new to the backcountry.

Backcountry users are encouraged to

Matt Harris skins up to the summit of Red Lady in Crested Butte. continued from 63

The AspectAvy app interface helps skiers and snowboarders determine which slope angles are safe. (Courtesy Jeff Banks/AspectAvy)

take courses with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) that teach risk management and rescue techniques. But staying safe is not always straightforward, and Banks said it can feel like a “bait and switch” for students.

“They leave the course and they’re like, ‘Well, I’m confused, overwhelmed and scared to death.’” Banks said. “Others decide not to go out skiing unless it’s low danger. And it’s because the system is not set up to where

it’s simple to have fun in the snow and come home to friends and family.”

Many skiers and riders rely on static maps where the shaded slope angles of mountains appear the same whether avalanche conditions are low or high danger. With AspectAvy, avalanche safety is “made simple,” Banks said. On the app, a shading overlay on a map is used to show the current avalanche danger. Red areas are “no go” zones, with risks similar to base jumping, he said. Clear means a risk similar to driving a car.

Local skiers and snowboarders depend on avalanche forecasters such as the Crested Butte Avalanche Center (CBAC) and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) for avalanche danger ratings. But forecasts

are never 100% accurate, and backcountry riders need to be active participants in verifying the information presented, Banks said. AspectAvy helps users test the forecast using a checklist of simple observations that could mean more dangerous conditions are present. Users are asked if they are experiencing shooting cracks, “whumpfs” (the audible, and loud collapsing of the snowpack), the rapid accumulation of new snow and temperature changes. Check marks cause the map to automatically adjust the danger rating.

The North American public avalanche danger scale has five colored levels, starting with green for low and ending with black for extreme. The third stage, which falls in the middle of the scale, is “considerable,” marked by the color orange.

Here, backcountry users are encouraged

to carefully evaluate the snowpack and make conservative decisions. Despite this warning, avalanche accident data shows that the highest number of deaths occur when the danger is rated at considerable. Because of this, Banks decided to deviate from the standard scale and use the color red.

“When you see a stoplight, green means go and red means stop,” he said. “Orange means I’ve got to make a decision and use my judgment. Do I hit the gas and get through the intersection? Or do I hit the brakes hard? We're trying to tell people to stop, and stay out of avalanche terrain.”

OpenSnow, a popular weather and snow forecasting platform, has been an early adopter of AspectAvy. OpenSnow tells its users where they can find good snow, while AspectAvy helps show where it’s safer to ski and ride.

A skier flies down a slope in the backcountry in Crested Butte. (Courtesy Jeff Banks/AspectAvy)

“For backcountry riders, the consequences of a single decision can mean that they do not return home alive,” Joel Gratz, the founder and meteorologist behind OpenSnow said in a statement. “As a backcountry skier, I am thrilled to work with AspectAvy and to incorporate their data, their checklists and their well-timed reminders to ensure that I am making a no-regrets decision.”

According to Banks, AspectAvy is the most “revolutionary” backcountry safety device since the invention of the beacon.

“For 50 years, we’ve only had access to reactive avalanche gear, which means everything’s gone horribly wrong and now we are reacting to an avalanche and digging our partner out,” Banks said. “This is the first preventive avalanche safety, and we expect this to become a new standard in a couple of years.”

No ‘one-size-fits-all’

Even with the launch of AspectAvy, traveling through avalanche terrain remains complicated. No one should be fooled by a “onesize-fits-all” approach to avalanche safety, said Ethan Greene, director of the CAIC.

“It’s just not something that exists,” he said. “People should carry rescue gear, get avalanche education, hire a guide if that’s appropriate and always read the forecast so they have good information. People should use the tools they feel are most helpful and

AspectAvy is one of them.”

Zach Guy, a lead forecaster at CBAC, applauded the AspectAvy team’s innovation and said the organization has been providing suggestions to improve the app before it’s considered a viable public safety tool. The CBAC team worried the app could make it difficult to determine the location of dangerous run out zones. CBAC, along with Greene, also believe the inconsistencies between AspectAvy and the widely accepted North American danger scale also have the potential to create confusion.

Despite this, AspectAvy helps users recognize dangerous slope angles, Guy said. While there are certainly users that will benefit, other groups will continue to ride steep terrain.

“We see this with our forecasts,” Guy said. “We tell people these are the most dangerous slopes, but people still gravitate there — often because that’s ski terrain, and where they like to go recreate. Whether people choose to engage with the app and apply the information is another question that is to be determined. We hope that it does lead to safer travel habits.” n

(Bella Biondini is editor of the Gunnison Country Times.)

HOW TO STAY SAFE

Before venturing out in the backcountry, be sure to get avalanche education, acquire rescue gear and check the local avalanche forecast.

● Get the training: Take an American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) course with Crested Butte’s Irwin Guides to learn about risk management and rescue techniques.

● Get the forecast: Read the daily avalanche forecast from the Crested Butte Avalanche Center before heading into the backcountry. Skiing or riding outside of the forecast area? The Colorado Avalanche Information Center covers most of Colorado’s major backcountry zones.

● Get the gear: It doesn’t matter if you’re skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing — if you’re planning to go into avalanche terrain, carry a beacon, shovel and probe, and airbags are lifesavers as well.

● Get the picture: Learn how to recognize avalanche terrain and obvious signs of instability: avalanche activity, shooting cracks, collapses, heavy snowfall, wind loading, and rapid warming.

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a Flair Dramatic FOR THE

(Photos courtesy of David and Annie Flora)

Local theater company takes performance to new heights

BY WILLIAM SPICER

Annie and David Flora founded Firebird Theatre in 2023 with a mission to foster quality theater in the Gunnison Valley. If audience reactions to date are anything to go by, they’ve hit on a winning formula.

Annie, who is Firebird’s programming director and her husband, David, the artistic director, are both steeped in theatrical tradition. Annie grew up in Crested Butte, where her parents own the Rijks Family Gallery on 2nd Street. After graduating from high school, she left town to spend a year as an intern at the Dallas Theater Center, in hopes of figuring out, as Annie put it: “Do I like theater? Or do I just not like sports?”

It turns out that she really liked theater, which led her to pursue a degree in theater and film at the College of Santa Fe. It was there that she discovered a love of sketch comedy, which set the trajectory for the next stage of her life.

“If you want to do theater, you move to New York. If you want to do film, you move to LA. But if you want to do comedy, you move to Chicago,” Annie explained.

In Chicago, Annie was accepted into the Second City Theatre’s prestigious conservatory program (the list of well-known comedians who started their careers at Second City includes John Candy and Tina Fey.) She met David through her involvement in the Chicago comedy improv scene.

David’s path to theater was a little different. Growing up in rural Kentucky, his school didn’t have a theater program. His early passion was marching band. The summer that “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” came out, David quoted the film incessantly at band camp. His flair prompted one of his teachers to quip that if she won a million dollars, she was sending him to acting school. This apparently sowed a seed in David’s mind. After that, he started taking acting classes and auditioning for shows, won a scholarship for a summer acting intensive and enrolled in a local liberal arts college, where he majored in theater and

continued on 72

music. From there, he too was drawn by the siren call of Chicago.

Both David and Annie achieved considerable success in the Chicago comedy scene, working with outfits like the renowned short form improv group ComedySportz, and participating in the Improv Olympics. Like most people starting out in the business, they both had day jobs. Annie worked as a stock trader, while David supported himself through podcasting. Eventually, they progressed enough in improv to consider quitting their day jobs.

A lot of people we met were passionate about theater, but had no outlet.

— David Flora

Annie recalled having a number of older friends who did improv full-time, while writing on the side and getting occasional roles in television shows. It was the future that she had envisioned for years. But the friends she admired also appeared to be struggling financially and mentally.

“I started noticing that the people who were doing it for a living were very bitter, and the people who were doing it for fun were very happy,” she added.

Ultimately, Annie kept her day job, and she and David started focusing more of their creative energies on podcasting. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Annie started working from home and never looked back. As it did for so many people, working remotely offered the possibility of keeping a great job while living anywhere. The Floras found themselves drawn to Crested Butte.

“I never thought I would move back,” Annie said, “but I missed my family. My family is amazing!”

To paraphrase an old saying, you can take a person out of the theater, but you can’t take theater out of the person. It didn’t take long for the Floras to start instigating theatrical activities in the Gunnison Valley.

“A lot of people we met were passionate about theater, but had no outlet,” David said.

The couple also saw an opportunity to do things no one else was doing, like open-air Shakespeare with a big cast of local actors. As part of its inaugural 2023 season, Firebird put

David and Annie Flora promote Firebird Theatre.

The all-ages cast of Firebird Theatre’s “Peter Pan” hams it up.

continued from 72

on a free, full-scale production of “Twelfth Night” at the Crested Butte Depot. The performances played to large and enthusiastic audiences. Long-time locals were excited to see the revival of what had once been a summertime fixture in Crested Butte. Firebird plans to go even bigger in 2024 with a production of “Macbeth” that will involve extravagant, Star Wars-themed sets, costumes and makeup.

“We love spectacle,” David said. “We don’t want good enough to be good enough.”

Annie saw another void in the Gunnison Valley: children’s theater. As a teenager who was “not gifted at running fast or throwing things” she had always been acutely aware of the lack of theater opportunities for kids in Crested Butte. As a result, she made her directorial debut in eighth grade by writing out the entire script of Disney’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” She roped in her sister and best friends as actors and held rehearsals in a school cafeteria.

To date, Firebird has produced four children’s shows: “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Nutcracker,” “Peter Pan” and “Alice in Wonderland.” The company is planning a production of “The Snow Queen” for Christmas. All of the plays will feature kids as cast, crew and

audience members.

The idea of taking local talent and raising it to the highest level is at the core of Firebird’s philosophy. David and Annie want everyone involved in Firebird productions to not only have a great experience, but also develop theater craft and grow a deeper understanding of how productions are put together. This desire to share knowledge extends beyond the actors. The Floras are also leveraging their contacts in the theater world to provide free, professional workshops in areas like stage management and sound design.

“I really want people to excel and reach a potential they might not even know they had,” David said.

And it seems to be working. In the short time since it was founded, Firebird Theatre has put on six productions at five different venues up and down the valley, involving more than 50 locals as cast and crew. Audience reception has been universally positive. As word spreads, shows are selling out. More information on upcoming productions, events and auditions can be found on Firebird’s website: firebirdcb.com. n

(William Spicer is an actor, writer, director and inventor who has lived in the Gunnison Valley since 2009.)

UPCOMING FIREBIRD THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Murder Well Done: June 14-15, 21-22

Macbeth: August 24-25, 31, September 1

The Snow Queen: December

A Christmas Carol: December

FIREBIRD THEATRE

SPEND YOUR STUDY BREAKS

ON THE TRAILS

WELCOME TO OUR SIDE OF THE MOUNTAINS

Situated in the outdoor paradise of the Gunnison Valley, you can find equal success as a student and adventurer at Western. With 2+ million acres of public land to explore, 110+ academic programs to pursue, and no difficult commute between the two, you can balance your passions inside and outside of the classroom with ease.

(Photos courtesy of Seth Mensing/Western Colorado University)

TRAINING 'UNICORNS'

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY TO OFFER RURAL NURSING PROGRAM

BY SETH MENSING

On any given Tuesday in the medical/ surgical (med-surg) unit at Gunnison Valley Hospital (GVH), things are pretty quiet. But don’t say the “q-word" out loud. You might just jinx it. In a place like this, quiet can turn to chaos in an instant. It wouldn’t be unusual for any of the nurses on staff to be responsible for a hospice patient while watching over someone who just got out of surgery, all while caring for a pediatric patient and another with a bowel obstruction.

“Because we are rural and the only hospital within 70 miles, we get it all,” said GVH Director of Patient Care Services, Jen Gearhart.

In a bigger facility, nurses specialize in areas that include palliative care, pediatrics, orthopedics, obstetrics or any of the dozens of ailments you might encounter in a hospital. They might even work in a part of a hospital that sees only one kind of patient. But not at GVH. Here, rural nursing, which requires practitioners to be experts in just about every type of care, might be considered a specialty of its own.

But nurses with such a broad skill set aren’t easy to come by. This is one reason GVH relies so heavily on a relatively small nursing staff and traveling nurses, who earn high wages for signing short-term contracts. For years, GVH executives have tried to reduce the cost of this contract labor by recruiting a more permanent nursing staff.

To help recruit local talent and remedy a nationwide nursing shortage, Western Colorado University will offer a full-time nursing degree and certification program by the fall of 2025. The program will focus on the unique needs of rural communities as the gap between supply and demand grows toward a breaking point.

“There’s a tremendous need for nurses,” said Professor of Exercise and Sport Science Lance Dalleck. “This is a big opportunity for Western.”

Bridging the gap

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic put an incredible strain on healthcare workers, the number of available nurses was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of people across the United States. Today, the healthcare staffing shortage has become a crisis, specifically in Colorado’s rural areas.

According to a report on workforce trends released by the Mercer consulting firm, employers will need to hire more than 1 million nurses across the country by 2026. Of the 29

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continued from 79

states where demand is outpacing supply, Colorado ranks behind only two other states and is projected to be more than 10,000 nurses short in coming years.

To start moving graduates into the workforce quickly, Western’s nursing program will offer students three different options: a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an accelerated BSN program that will allow students to earn their degree in approximately 18 months and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that will only take a few months for students to complete.

This layered approach will allow students with a CNA certification to return for more education if they choose. It will also enable CNAs who are currently working in the valley to continue their education without having to leave the valley.

“We lose one to two staff a year who are pursuing their career goals, mostly for nursing,” said GVH Chief Nursing Officer Nicole Huff. “We have had challenges recruiting their replacements for many different reasons, like the high cost of living, no housing and low wages compared to competitors. We

A student takes a community member’s blood pressure during a health fair at the Western Colorado University Mountaineer Field House.

Western students practice giving health assessments.

have had to default to travelers who make twice as much as permanent staff, and they, too, are short-timers.”

Huff added that nurses in rural settings face unique challenges that their urban and suburban counterparts don’t, so they need to be trained accordingly.

Personalized care

“Rural nursing is a special kind of nursing that illuminates the skills each nurse possesses,“ said GVH registered nurse Amy Eckert. “In urban areas, nurses have their ‘specialty.’ In rural nursing, it is an expectation to know a lot. The ability of a nurse to deliver a baby, then take care of an elderly patient in surgery and then save a life in the emergency department tells you that rural health nurses are beyond special. They are ‘unicorns’ — unique and rare. We need these nurses here in Gunnison.”

She added that the small, rural setting can give patients the wrong impression when they come to the Gunnison Valley on vacation from an urban area and need medical care.

“I’ll walk in and they’re on the phone with a family member on the other end of the line saying, ‘You’ve got to get out of that podunk hospital. It’s too small for you,’” Eckert said. “By the end of that day, after initially wondering if they should get out of here, they’re saying this is the best facility they’ve ever been in.”

She said there are many reasons for the change of heart. Part of it is the expert team of medical providers at GVH who have all come to the valley with experience in larger markets, and part of it is the personal touch they provide.

“The nurses here want to take care of the people in their community,” Gearhart said.

“These are our neighbors, our friends and our kid’s friends.”

Recruiting and retaining nurses

There are only two on-duty nurses at any time in GVH’s med-surg unit, but Gearhart is hoping to increase that number to three. Currently, other nurses could be called in to work in any area of the hospital in an emergency. But when there’s a need for another pair of hands, a nurse who already lives in the Gunnison Valley is the best option.

Western’s new nursing program will alleviate some of that strain, since students who participate will be learning in a rural environment. They will already have a presence in the community, and likely, a place to live from their time in school.

The GVH Foundation board committed $20,000 a year in scholarship money to help the program recruit and retain students who can easily transition to rural health care. The board envisions recruiting 20 students each year.

“We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to partner with Western and help bring a nursing school to our community,” GVH chief executive officer Jason Amrich said. “We look forward to helping develop the next generation of nurses who have a passion for rural health and who we hope will provide exceptional care to our community members." n

(Seth Mensing is the media and communications manager at Western Colorado University.)

Gunnison Valley Health has struggled in recent years with nursing staff shortages. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

Marilyn Rodman

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO BE CREATIVE

BY TONI TODD

Creativity is often viewed as the purview of the young. Fresh ideas and unique ways of seeing the world — that’s what we expect of young artists on the rise. Besides, old dogs, new tricks — you know the saying. But creativity knows no age limit; artists create for the sake of creating, not for social acceptance, and many continue to observe and be inspired by the world around them throughout life. History bears witness to this, with many examples of elder artists who have created great works in their senior years. Georgia O’Keefe, Claude Monet, Beatrice Wood and Anna Mary Robertson Moses all created brilliant work well into their golden years.

Moses didn’t start her painting career until age 76, hence her nickname, “Grandma Moses.” She picked up the brush only after her troublesome, arthritic hands made embroidery difficult. When she put down the needle and thread, her sister suggested painting instead. The rest is American art history. Grandma Moses’ paintings graced the covers of famous magazines, hung in gallery exhibits across the country, earned accolades from the most prominent art critics of the day and more. At the age of 88, Mademoiselle magazine named her “Young Woman of the Year.” New tricks, indeed!

In the Gunnison Valley, we are fortunate to have many elder artists who continue to both inspire and be inspired, creating impressive works. In the pages that follow, we feature just a few.

(Toni Todd is a freelance writer and ukulelestrummin' punster who loves nothing more than chatting with the creatives among us, for they are the most interesting and colorful of all.)

THESE LOCAL ARTISTS

50th YEAR!

SUNDAY JULY 23

Sunday July 28th

Mike Brooks: Watercolors of the desert southwest

Mike Brooks may be best known in the community for his work with the Gunnison Valley Observatory. Brooks is an amateur astronomer with contagious enthusiasm for, and impressive knowledge of, the cosmos. His affinity for all things celestial goes back to childhood and is as strong today as ever. But childhood set him up for the successful pursuit of more earthly, artistic interests as well.

It was really freeing as a retired person to make music, write a poem or paint simply to enjoy it.

— Mike Brooks

As a teen, Brooks got his first taste of the creative life after landing a part-time position as a window dresser for Ford’s Department Store in Watsonville, California.

“I got an after-school-type job with three women who were in that profession,” he said.

Those pros taught him how to build a scene with color and panache. He describes the work as “theatrical in nature,” but with mannequins instead of people.

“That was my first movement toward a career in theater arts design,” he added.

In his first year of college, Brooks was a young man with his head still in the stars.

“Initially, it was aerospace,” he said. But after a chance encounter with a famous playwright at the University of California Santa Cruz, he switched his major to aesthetic studies.

“This led me down the road to a master’s of fine art in theater design,” he said. Brooks has subsequently spent much of his creative life in theater arts as a designer, performer and teacher. First in performative arts and literature as a community college instructor. Later, as a professor of communication arts for Western Colorado University.

Brooks picked up a paintbrush in retirement, diving headlong into watercolors. That might seem like a 180-degree pivot from theater arts, but, as Brooks explained, it’s not that different at all.

“Grandma’s

“Part of the theater design process is presenting your design, and I started with models and sketches,” he said. This is what helped him develop the fundamental “eye” and skills he now uses as a painter.

Brooks loves the landscapes of the American Southwest. He paints the flora, fauna, rocks and arroyos that dot, sculpt and etch this region. Most often, he imagines people in those places, too. “I love Native American culture and history,” he added, and his art is inspired by both.

Since that first dab of color hit the paper,

Brooks has been prolific. His painting skill and style have evolved quickly.

“It was really freeing as a retired person to create for the enjoyment of it,” he said. “Culturally, we’ve lost somewhere that you can make music, write a poem or paint simply to enjoy it. It’s just about pure expression.”

Brooks still looks to the stars for inspiration, blending his loves of astronomy and photography with brilliant images of galaxies and constellations.

“It’s science, with a creative side,” he said. n

Stories” by astronomer and visual artist Mike Brooks. (Courtesy Mike Brooks)

Brooks and his wife, Debbie, display his work. (Photo by Toni Todd)

Don Seastrum: Painter of stories

There’s something about Don Seastum’s style that evokes Edward Hopper — the light, the loneliness — and yet, these creations are uniquely Seastrum’s. They’re like no one else’s in style, color and fashion.

“One of my earliest memories is sitting at the kitchen table, sometime in the 1950s, where my mother is showing me how to draw a line of fence with snow on top,” he said. It

was Iowa, after all, so fence posts made sense. That’s where it all began.

“When I first went to college, I thought I wanted to be a writer,” he said. But an English professor gently steered him in another direction.

“He said, ‘You are writing pictures. Why don’t you try visual arts?’ I had always dabbled, but that’s when I started taking it more seriously. I once thought artistic talent was something you were born with, but I have since learned that it’s not.”

Seastrum is from Iowa but is an alumni of both Western Colorado University (WCU) and the University of Denver. He may have

once written pictures in his early days as a writer, but he paints stories in his current life as a visual artist. His images are filled with compelling scenes and intriguing characters. One example is a mystery marionette without strings. The wooden character is faceless, yet somehow conveys human qualities and emotions with body language. He may be a voyeur, an enemy, or a friend — it's all in the interpretation of the viewer and the story each image invokes in them.

Seastrum works with watercolors, acrylics and lithographs on limestone. His career has included years of teaching, most notably as an art professor at WCU, but also with the

“The Gatekeepers Watch” by Don Seastrum. The faceless marionette figurine is a recurring character in Seastrum’s work. (Photos courtesy of Don Seastrum)

Don Seastrum

Vita Institute for the Arts, an organization dedicated to arts education for adults which he co-founded with his partner in crime and close friend, Paul Edwards. Seastrum says he has a group of students, all retired professionals from a wide array of fields, that have been returning to work with him annually for the past six years. His teaching philosophy is simple.

“When a student paints like their professor, that’s not good,” he said. Seastum prefers to help students find their unique way of expressing themselves, and find their distinct styles.

“When I was teaching [full-time], I used to

get up at four in the morning and go into the studio for a few hours before class,” he said. “I retired from the university, but I will never retire from the profession. Ever.” Seastrum still spends much of his time immersed in his art, and paints every day.

Seastrum laments the impact of the internet and digital age on many great artists.

“It’s a noisy time,” he said, and the digital world is “detrimental to the brick-and-mortar gallery because people think they can look at something online and know if it’s good or not. They can’t.”

Seastrum also points to our youth-obsessed culture as a manufactured hindrance

to lifelong creativity.

“In the 1970s, a mature artist was considered someone in their 80s. This sense today that new is better is just marketing,” he said. Of course, venerable artists like Seastrum are creating something new every day while encouraging their students to do the same, regardless of age and what the society around them thinks. n

Mary Tuck: Creative to the core

She’s a woman who makes beautiful jewelry, paints with both watercolors and acrylics on a variety of surfaces (including rocks), acts, directs, illustrates, designs and teaches. That kind of creative energy begs an obvious question: what doesn’t Mary Tuck do?

“I can’t not create,” she said, and there’s your answer. Tuck just turned 80, and her passion for creativity is as strong today as ever.

“I’ve always observed,” she said. “I analyze everything I look at. I thought everybody did that.”

Her mother was a Hollywood starlet and big band singer who performed in United Service Organizations (USO) shows during World War II. Her father was a sailor, a rancher and ultimately, a draftsman. He also played the accordion. Tuck credits her mom for encouraging her creativity and performance art, and her dad for her drawing skills.

“Art has always been in me,” she said.

Tuck’s mother was also a voice instructor, so she grew up singing opera with her and Jeanette MacDonald, a prominent singer and actress known for her work in musical films of

the 1930s.

There were also years of tap dancing, ballet and trampoline lessons. At age 12, she joined her mother on stage, playing a daughter, for a performance of the musical “Showboat” in Long Beach, California. That, she said, is when the theater bug bit. Flash forward 68 years, and she’s still performing, most recently as one of the actors in Crested Butte Mountain Theatre’s production of Nassim Soleimanpour’s “White Rabbit, Red Rabbit.

“That was tough,” she said. This summer, she’ll be directing Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.”

Tuck is a retired educator who once worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Before that, she had a successful career as a commercial illustrator, something she was told by high school teachers and counselors she could never do because she was a girl. But even as a teen, Tuck wasn’t buying what they were selling; she got her degree in commercial art and design and did it anyway.

Tuck’s latest creations are featured at the Paragon Gallery in Crested Butte, where you’ll find her jewelry, painted rocks, canvases, silk scarves and more.

Tuck has some advice for would-be creators out there who are hesitant and fearful.

“Just try it,” she said. “Take lessons. There is no failure. Get out of your own way! And keep at it. You never learn it all.” n

Mary Tuck. (Photos courtesy of Mary Tuck)

One of Mary Tuck’s painted rocks.

Paul Edwards: Still in the game

Since retiring from his position as a professor of communication and theater arts at Western Colorado University, Paul Edwards has become a here-and-there man. Case in point: “White Rabbit, Red Rabbit,” an unusual play by Nassim Soleimanpour. The story challenges a single actor to perform a script they’ve not seen before stepping onto the stage. Recently, the Crested Butte Mountain Theatre (CBMT) featured a different actor each night during their running of this play. One of those brave souls was Paul Edwards.

“I loved it,” he said, while acknowledging how difficult it was to pull off.

“It seemed like an ideal thing to keep me in the game,” he added.

For Edwards, that game is all things related to theater arts. A writer, director, actor and teacher, he’s never at a loss for something creative to do, despite being officially retired. Edwards is known for his long affiliation with the Gunnison Arts Center, a recent stint as a director with the CBMT, and his current venture with Don Seastrum, the Vita Institute for the Arts, where he serves as vice president and interdisciplinary program director.

Theater arts are Edwards's passion and have been for most of his life, but his journey as an artist began with music. He spent his early years tickling the ivories with formal music lessons and training. He credits his father as a musical inspiration, a man he describes as a natural musician.

“He played by ear and was a great singer,” Edwards said. His mother was also an artist, and creativity was encouraged in the Edwards household.

His first experience with theater came in the seventh grade with a play called “Onions

in the Stew.” That led to more of what he referred to as “fartin’ around with theater” in high school. That “fartin’ around” eventually led to a PhD and full tenure as a university professor.

As a writer, Edwards said, “I like to write what I like to see." That includes comedy, “because it’s so hard.” He’s also inclined to combine a social message with a personal story, taking the view of “the local [experience] as universal.”

This winter, Edwards was back at Western, teaching a class for the theater arts program. Edwards directs or writes a play here and there, and, as was the case with “White Rabbit, Red Rabbit,” boldly steps back on stage here and there. The funny thing about all of those “heres and theres” is that, if you have enough of them, they add up to a rich, artistic life. n

Paul Edwards. (Photo courtesy of Crested Butte Mountain Theatre)

Kenzie Perkins Valladolid

Bighorn sheep are a common sight in the Gunnison Valley.

The Pantry Needs YOUR Help

The Pantry has a good track record of putting food within reach of neighbors, but we need the community’s help to reach everyone in need. Word of mouth is 3x more likely to bring a guest into the Pantry than social media, newspaper, and radio combined. We need YOU to tell a friend, coworker, family member, or neighbor about us if you think they could benefit from free groceries or a little help stretching their budget.

Support the Pantry

Mailing Address: PO Box 7077 Gunnison, CO 81230

Donate Online: www.gunnisoncountryfoodpantry.org

Connect with us: (970) 641-4156

Hours of Operation: Mondays 1-4pm, Wednesdays 1-7pm (traductores de español y cora Miércole 4p 7p), Thursdays 10am-2pm (60+)

Gunnison Country Food Pantry provides food assistance to those in need in a kind, confidential, and supportive environment.

Photo by Jacob Spetzler

Best Cocktail 1880 Tapas & Spirits

Best Happy Hour Tie — The Dive, Blackstock Bistro

Best Breakfast Back Country Cafe

Best Pizza Mario’s Pizza and Pasta

Best Mexican Food Anejos Bistro and Bar

Best Hamburgers Powerstop

Best BBQ 5B’s BBQ

Best Vegetarian/ Vegan Food Vegan A.F.

Best Steak Ol’ Miner Steakhouse

Best Wings Powerstop

Best Coffeeshop Mocha’s Coffeehouse and Bakery

Best Dessert Jermaine’s

Best Sandwich Firebrand Deli

Best Salad Mario’s Pizza and Pasta

Best To Go/ Delivery Mario’s Pizza and Pasta

Best Chef Danny Lefebvre, Mario’s Pizza and Pasta & The Dive

Best Bartender Kyle Richards, 1880 Tapas and Spirits

Best Server JTie —Carly Bare, Back Country Cafe, Burke Ewing, HABC

Best Barista Confessor Resto, Double Shot Cyclery

Best Restaurant Service

Best Outdoor Dining

Best Food Truck

Best Place to Watch Sports

Best Church

Best Retail Store

Best Retail Sales Person

Best Clothing Store Tango Best Home Furnishings/ Decor

Tapas and Spirits

Gunnison Gunnison

Taylor’s Sporting Goods

Dawes, Toggery Elevated

& Glory, Misty Mountain Floral

Best Salon TRIC Salon

Best Barber Fast Eddie’s Barber Shop

Best Hardware Store/ Building Supply Fuller’s ACE Hardware

Best Bank Gunnison Bank & Trust

Best Bike Shop Double Shot Cyclery

Best Outdoor Retailer Gene Taylor’s Sporting Goods

Best Art Gallery Gunnison Gallery

Best Gift Shop Hope & Glory, Misty Mountain Floral

Best Liquor Store Wet Grocer Liquors

Best Dispensary Rocky Mountain Cannabis

Best Automotive Repair Shop Standard Tire and Service Center

Best Automotive Mechanic Daryl Robbins, Mechanic on Duty

Best Dentist Josh Osborne, Gunnison Family Dentistry

Best Doctor Lauretta Garren, Gunnison Valley Family Physicians

Best Optometrist David Robbins, ABBA Eyecare

Best Orthopedic Clinic gO Orthopedics

Best Non-Traditional Medicine Practitioner Roanne Houck, Main Street Clinic

Best Massage Therapist Ingrid Butts

Best Yoga Instructor Leia Morrison

Best

LOCAL NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER

The Adaptive Sports Center provides exceptional outdoor adventure-based activities that enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities and their families. Summer activities include mountain biking, hand-cycling (on-road and off-road), rafting, canoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, camping, rock climbing and our challenge course. We custom-tailor adventures for families, groups and individuals. Registration is required and scholarships are available. Please visit adaptivesports.org to learn more about our year-round activities, volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation. Email volunteer@adaptivesports.org if you are interested in volunteering. You can also reach us at 970.349.2296. We are located at 19 Emmons Rd., Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225.

CRESTED BUTTE LAND TRUST

For over 30 years, the Crested Butte Land Trust has worked with partners to protect and care for open lands for vistas, recreation, wildlife and ranching, thus contributing to the preservation of Gunnison County's unique heritage and quality of life. A donation to the Land Trust is an investment in your community's future. Call or email Jake Jones, executive director, at 970-349-1206 or jake@cblandtrust.org cblandtrust.org.

ROCKIN' READING ROUTE BOOK BUS

Free Books for Everyone! Runs Mid June - Mid August. Stops at summer learning centers, parks and around neighborhoods. Look for posted locations and times. Keep reading!

COLDHARBOUR INSTITUTE

Coldharbour Institute promotes regenrative land and living practices through education, research, and on the ground project implementation. We offer youth and adult land-based educational opportunities, regenerative agriculture consulting and repurpose solar panels to bring renewable energy to low-income residents and nonprofits of the Gunnison Valley. Please contact us to learn more, donate or get involved at coldharbourinstitute.org. Let's learn together!

GUNNISON COUNTRY FOOD PANTRY

The Pantry provides no cost groceries to those in need of food assistance in a kind, confidential and supportive environment. Anyone is welcome. Shop the Pantry Monday 1-4 p.m., Wednesday 1-7 p.m. (Spanish or Cora translators) or Thursday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Volunteer or donate to help neighbors in need! 114 S 14th St, Ste 1 970.641.4156.

GV MENTORS

Mentors is a youth mentoring organization serving Gunnison and Hinsdale counties. Our wait-listed youth are excitedly waiting for trusted adults like you to be matched with incredible young folks like them. Go to the Mentors website or call to find out how you can become a mentor. 101 N 8th St., Gunnison, CO 81230, 970.641.5513, gunnisonmentors.com, gunnisonmentors@gmail.com.

GUNNISON VALLEY ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE

GVAWL is our community animal shelter for the Gunnison Valley. Our mision is to promote the welfare of companion animals by caring for animals until they are placed in their new home, assisting our community with spay/ neuter costs and educating our community about the humane treatment of pets. Find your new best friend at GVAWL! Come visit us at 98 Basin Park Drive or call us at 970.641.1173. Our website has tons of great information at gvawl.org.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Our mission is to contribute to the pool of affordable housing in the Gunnison Valley through collaboration efforts with partner families, community volunteers, donors and sponsors. We could not build truly affordable homes without your support! Help make dreams a reality for a family in need in our community by volunteering today! For more information contact us at 970.641.1245 or w hfhgunnisonvalley@gmail.com hfh-gunnisonvalley.org.

KBUT

KBUT is Community Radio for the Gunnison Valley and beyond. Providing you with local news and information alongside a volunteer-powered soundtrack to your life in the high country. To become a member of KBUT, join our family of volunteers, tune in or find out other ways to support our mission visit KBUT.org, call 970.349.7444 (DJ studio), 970.349.5225 (office) or email Info@KBUT.org

GUNNISON COUNTY LIBRARIES

Your public libraries serve everyone in the community with free resources, information services, diverse collections, events and activities for all ages, and always available online access. Our libraries are open seven days a week, come visit us. Gunnison Library, 1 Quartz St., 970.641.3485 Crested Butte Library, 504 Maroon Ave., 970.349.6535 gunnisoncountylibraries.org.

LIVING JOURNEYS

Living Journeys is a nonprofit dedicated to serving Gun-

nison County residents impacted by cancer. Cancer patients, as well as their families and caregivers, have access to financial grants, private therapy and support groups, food assistance and life-enriching programs. We invite you to support our mission by making a donation, attending one of our events, or becoming a volunteer. Learn more at livingjourneys.org or get in touch with us at info@livingjourneys.org or 970.349.2777.

MOUNTAIN ROOTS FOOD PROJECT

is a food systems ini-

tiative working to provide fresh nutritious food to people in need, bring environmental and nutrition education to youth, grow more food using regenerative practices and train the next generation of farmers. Get involved with our seasonal CSA, summer camps and afterschool program for kids, cooking courses for adults, community gardens and community events like Harvest Hoedown and Feast in the Field. Learn more at mountainrootsfoodproject.org.

GUNNISON COUNTY PIONEER & HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Gunnison country and the old West with nearly 40 buildings and structures displaying wonderful and intriguing relics including narrow gauge railroad, ranching, military, mining, automobiles and so much more! Operated by a dedicated group of volunteers daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. from May 15 through Sept. 30. Follow the Gunnison Pioneer Museum on Facebook and check out our new website at gunnisonpioneermuseum.com.

PROJECT HOPE OF GUNNISON VALLEY

The mission of Project Hope of Gunnison Valley is to support, educate and provide confidential advocacy services to individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human trafficking. Services are also offered in Spanish. If you would like to support our mission by donating and/or volunteering, please visit hope4gv.org.

24/7 Crisis Line: 970.275.1193 970.641.2712 (office), info@hope4gv.org @projecthopegv - Facebook, Instagram & X (formerlly Twitter).

SIX POINTS EVALUATION AND TRAINING, INC.

Six Points Evaluation and Training, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization serving people with intellectual disabilities and people with traumatic brain injury in Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties. Six Points is home to the thrift store, which was established to provide a community-based work environment for clients and individuals requiring employment assistance. It also generates income which supports Six Points’ programming. All merchandise sold in the store is donated by the community thereby promoting the reuse, repurpose and recycle philosophy so important to the environment and natural resources of the Gunnison Valley. Thrift store Hours: Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 1160 N. Main St., 970.641.3081.

THE 10TH ANNUAL SALIDA ARTS FESTIVAL

The 10th Annual Salida Arts Festival is a small, high quality show held in historic Salida Colorado, recognized for its art and artists. Many have called this “the best art event” in the valley. The show location is in beautiful Riverside Park adjacent to the Arkansas River. We are keeping this a small, “boutique” style show with only 80 incredible artists accepted and it's only an hour or so from Gunnison. Come on over, spend the day, buy some art and have fun. Visit SalidaArtsFestival.com.

VALLEY HOUSING FUND

The Valley Housing Fund has helped fund 148 new affordable homes in the Gunnison Valley, and is ramping up efforts for more! Help us create and support affordable housing opportunities to strengthen our community by visiting vhfund.org or calling 970.901.9032.

THE CRESTED BUTTE WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL

The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival began in 1986 through the efforts of a few insightful Crested Butte locals who envisioned a wildflower celebration in one of the most picturesque valleys in Colorado. The Festival has grown into a summer-long season with over 150 events offered by 40 instructors, tour guides and volunteers in the Wildflower Capital of Colorado! The Wildflower Festival will take place from July 12-21, 2024. Please visit crestedbuttewildflowerfestival. com to learn more, view the program guide and register for events.

THE GUNNISON CREATIVE DISTRICT

The Gunnison Creative District supports local creatives through a free valley-wide creative directory (GCBcreativedirectory.com), First Fridays Artwalk and Music in downtown Gunnison, artist pop-ups and promotion of creative events and art classes on our socials @gunnison_creative_dist. The GCD also helps commission and maintain public murals and sculptures. Join our efforts and become an "art advocate" at GunnisonCreativeDistrict.org

GUNNISON FARMERS MARKET

The Gunnison Farmers Market offers only Colorado-produced wares. Our vendors offer fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, locally -raised meat, craft items and jewelry, eggs, wine and more. Markets are Saturdays June 8 -Oct. 19 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Main and Virginia in downtown Gunnison, with live music in adjacent IOOF Park. Follow us on Facebook & Instgram (@gunnisonfarmersmarket) for regular updates!

ART IN THE PARK

This is the annual art show featuring original arts and crafts that the American Association of University Women have been sponsoring for 49 years. It serves as fundraiser for the annual scholarships offered to nontraditional students at Western Colorado University. It will be held in Gunnison's Legion Park on July 28.

THE GUNNISON ANGLING SOCIETY

Gunnison Angling Society is the local chapter of Trout Unlimited. As a national nonprofit organization, we are focused on cold-water fisheries conservation. Following the national agenda of Protect, Reconnect, Restore and Sustain, our efforts are focus locally to ensure healthy riparian environs, including everything that influences that space. It is often said that “all things live downstream”. This makes our mission to conserve, protect and restore our local watersheds an evolving and encompassing affair. Founded in 1969 our small chapter has made local and national headway through our projects that are subsidized through our fundraising efforts and matching grants. Our local efforts also include education and direct conservation projects like willow planting, in stream improvements and agriculture interface enhancement by repair or replacement For more information visit gunnisonanglingsociety.org

LAKE CITY ARTS CENTER

Nestled in the heart of the most remote county in the lower 48, Lake City Arts offers a diverse array of artistic experiences catering to every individual, from seasoned artists to curious newcomers. Whether showing in our gallery, participating in workshops or enjoying our captivating theater performances, Lake City Arts ensures that creativity knows no bounds.There's something for everyone at Lake City Arts. For more information visit lakecityarts.org.

GUNNISON TOUGH

Gunnison Tough is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to our community in the fight against cancer. While breast cancer has been our main focus, we support community members with any form of cancer. Our assistance includes mammograms, housing, vehicle use for treatment travel, assistance with expenses and many other integrated therapies. Additionally, Gunnison Tough works closely with Gunnison Valley Health to help provide state of the art equipment and services for cancer screenings and early diagnosis. For more information, contact Heidi Sherrat at 970.209.6332.

THE GUNNISON ARTS CENTER

Offering the Gunnison Valley community and visitors arts classes and immersive creative experiences, with a little something for everyone! Celebrate and support the many local artists featured in our gallery spaces, get your hands dirty in our Clay Studio, or find your center in one of our moving or visual arts classes. Visit gunnisonartscenter.org for more information.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ARTS, EVENTS & THE OUTDOORS

ELK CREEK MARINA

We have pontoons (gas included) kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, fishing boats & slip rentals. For online reservations visit TheBlueMesa.com or call 970.641.0707.

FOSSIL RIDGE PACK LLAMAS

Llamas are docile, easy to handle and born to pack. Great for family trips or packing out big game. Let our well trained llamas get you deeper into the backcountry. 970.497.9280, fossilridgepackllamas.com, info@fossilridgepackllamas.com.

GUNNISON FISH AND RAFT

Gunnison Fish and Raft has been guiding float trips in the Gunnison / Crested Butte area since 1979. Let us show you local fishing techniques, casting, presentation, and most of all where the fish are. Join us and we will make a custom fly fishing trip for you, your family, and friends. Visit floatfish.com for more information or call 970.275.1980.

IBAR RANCH

The IBAR Ranch is Gunnison's premiere concert and wedding venue featuring an outdoor summer concert series that runs from May 26 to Aug. 20. For information and schedules visit ibarranch.com

JJ'S JEEPS

JJ's Jeeps offers guided jeep tours. “Backcountry Without the Blisters” 2024 Season Begins May 15th! Call with questions or book now! 970.765.6526

TENDERFOOT OUTFITTERS

TENDERFOOT OUTFITTERS

Voted the Gunnison country's best adventure outfitter, we offer trail rides, camping trips, youth trips, fishing trips and hunting trips. Call 800.641.0504 for reservations.

AUTOMOTIVE, CONSTRUCTION & LANDSCAPING

FALCON PROJECT SOLUTIONS

Falcon Project Solutions fills an important niche for homeowners and contractors by providing construction project management services. The owner, Kim Antonucci, has experience as a land-use planner, project manager, property manager and paralegal. She is easy and fun to work with, and she gets things done. Kim also provides technical expertise on many types of software, including QuickBooks. Since she has been in the Gunnison Valley for more than 30 years, she is well connected and can find the right solutions for your project. Call 970.209.8146 or visit falconprojectsolutions.com for more info.

4TH GENERATION MECHANICAL

We are a local Gunnison Valley mechanical company, four generations of plumbers. Family owned and operated in Gunnison, Colorado, licensed and insured. Call 970.765.4652 or visit 4thgenmechanical.com.

GOTWO HANDYMEN No job too small! Your GoTwo guys for property maintenance, cleanouts, home repairs & maintenance, appliance installation, and property caretaking. Don’t wait months for that project, connect with us now to knock out those projects!

Steve Shelafo • 970.596.4900

Todd Hohlenkamp • 970.975.0617 GoTwoHandyMen@gmail.com.

GREATLAND ENGINEERING

GreatLand Engineering,

PC is located in Gunnison, Colorado and offers professional engineering, complete design, and consulting throughout the Gunnison valley, the western slope, and the state of Colorado. W. Eric Williams, P.E., Principal and Professional Engineer, offers over 25 years of experience in the design and construction fields, and has been licensed as a Colorado Professional Engineer since 2003. Contact us today at greatlandengineering.com to discuss how we can help get your project off the ground!

GREATLAND LOG HOMES

Greatland Log Homes offers handcrafted log homes and log cabins. Our services extend from custom log home design and engineering to complete Log Packages and Dry-In Packages. Building custom log homes in the valley for over 30 years. GreatLandLogHomes.com

Hi-Country Window Coverings

HI-COUNTRY FLOORS TO GO AND HI COUNTRY WINDOW COVERINGS

Your Floor Covering Source Since 1971. As a full service warehouse, our staff is knowledgeable about all products. Our installers are fully trained and stand behind their work with a one year warranty. Ask about our free estimates! We have two warehouses of inventory with thousands of yards and square feet of carpet, vinyl, hardwood, tile, laminate, and all the sundries required for a successful installation. Call 970.641.3373 or visit gunnison.floorstogo. com for details.

J REESER ARCHITECT

Serving Crested Butte, Gunnison, the Western Slope and Beyond

J Reeser Architect, LLC is located on the western slope of Colorado and is a full service architecture firm creating custom buildings throughout the west since 2005. JRA specializes in mountain architecture and historic preservation projects. Offering approachable expertise in the distinctive challenges and opportunities of high alpine architecture, each client receives a unique crafted structure suited to their desires. jreeserarchitect.com 970.641.4740.

MAJESTIC ROOFING

We offer new & remodeled roofs, reroofs, repairs, snow shoveling, metal flashing fabrication and we specialize in standing seam fabrication. Call 970.275.4472 or Email nathan@majesticroofingco.com.

NUNATAK ENERGY

While many companies now offer solar installations as a sidearm of their current business, renewable energy systems are what we do. Since our sole focus is producing electricity from alternative energy sources, we are able to keep abreast of the latest viable technology and market trends. We design systems in house from the ground up, meeting the needs of each client and our extreme high altitude mountain environment. Whether you are 50 miles from the nearest power line, or right downtown, we will work with you to help meet your energy goals. Call 970.642.5554 or visit nunatakenergy.com.

PIKE BUILDERS

Pike Builders’ craftsmanship is what sets us apart from other home builders in the Crested Butte/Gunnison area. We are indeed craftsmen, not carpenters. We take great pride in our custom mountain designs, finish detail, and handcrafted accents on all projects. Pike Builders’ owners, Paul and Steve Pike, guarantee a hands-on, general contractor on site which ensures the utmost quality every day. We approach each project with a fresh vision and look forward to discussing your dream home and one-of-a-kind project. Call 970.641.6600 or visit pikebuilders.com.

The Fireplace Company specializes in installing, servicing, and repairing wood stoves in Gunnison, Crested Butte, and the surrounding area. Call us now for your cozy fireplace in the mountains at 970.641.6882.

WALLIN CONSTRUCTION INC.

We take pride in providing high Quality and Efficiency in every project. Wallin construction is owned and operated by Keith Wallin. He has lived here since 1984, graduated from Gunnison High school, and went on to graduate from Western State College with a BA in business. For over 20 years now Wallin Construction has provided quality homes and remodels for the valley. Call 970.209.3524 or visit Wallinconstruction.com.

WILDRIVER BUILDERS

Since 2015 we’ve hit the ground running building homes throughout the Gunnison Valley. Our diverse portfolio is ever-growing and features our range of refined carpentry skills including new home builds, investment builds, remodels, renovations, additions, accessory dwelling units, garages, timber frame carpentry, decks and porches, and accents. From luxury mountain chalets to beautiful modest homes, expect integrity from us throughout the process. Call 970.596.2897 or visit wildriverbuilders.com.

WILLOW INTERIOR DESIGNS

The Willow design philosophy is simple... a home should reflect the personality of the people who live there, not of their designer or furniture showroom! We specialize in creating a HOME - a "yes, real people live here in this amazingly beautiful and welcoming house" kind of space. Call 970.349.2428 or visit willowcb.com.

REAL ESTATE & LENDERS

BLUEBIRD REAL ESTATE

Bluebird is the premium home buying and selling partner in Crested Butte and Gunnison, Colorado. We are a locally owned, distinctive brand with global reach through Luxury Portfolio International and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Built on a vision of bringing dreams home, we exist to keep the interest of our clients our highest priority, with exceptional marketing, knowledgeable communication and most importantly, successful results. A portion of every closing is given back to our community through the Bluebird Charitable Fund. Visit bbre1.com for more information.

BLUEBIRD REAL ESTATE

MINDY COSTANZO

Mindy Costanzo, a member of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Realtor Board for 47 years, possesses extensive experience navigating various real estate market phases. Since 1977, Mindy has dedicated herself to building her career in the Gunnison Valley, focusing solely on fulfilling the real estate needs of buyers and sellers. Over the past decade, she has continued her real estate endeavors with her former franchise company, United Country Gunnison County Realty and Auction. In 2023, Mindy embarked on a new chapter in her illustrious real estate career by joining Bluebird Real Estate, a leading agency renowned for its innovative approach and client-centered philosophy. Call 970.209.2300 or email mindy@bbre1.com.

BLUEBIRD REAL ESTATE

BOBBY OVERTURF

Bobby grew up in Colorado Springs and attended college in Denver. He always knew he wanted to make his way further West to the Gunnison Valley. His dream became a reality in 2015, when he was able to call Gunnison home. His local knowledge, understanding of the real estate market, and connection to the community are what make Bobby an asset to the Bluebird team.

One of the reasons Bobby finds this place so special is the endless opportunity to explore the outdoors. Whether it’s skiing, biking, hiking, fly fishing, or hunting, it’s hard to beat this mountain lifestyle. Every season has something to offer and these small towns have big hearts. Bobby would be honored to help find the perfect home for you! Call 719.216.2524 or email babby@bbre1.com.

BLUEBIRD REAL ESTATE MAGGIE DETHLOFF

Maggie has lived in Crested Butte since 1987. Originally from Winnetka, Illinois, Maggie cannot imagine calling anywhere else home! With extensive experience spanning over 22 years in the local real estate market, Maggie’s relatability, paired with her reliability, ensures results. Consistently a top producer in the market, Maggie gains much of her business from repeat clients and referrals.

What truly motivates Maggie to do her best are her clients. As a knowledgeable advocate for both buyers and sellers, she places the highest emphasis on developing and fostering strong relationships where her clients feel fully supported. Call 970.209.7880 or email maggie@ bbre1.com

REAL ESTATE & LENDERS

CLARKE AGENCY

As Gunnison real estate experts, Audrie, and Josh approach every client and every deal with integrity and dedication. Our job is to help you secure the property of your dreams, at the best possible price. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell homes, condos, townhomes, multi-family units, business property or vacant land, let us help make your transaction meet your goals. Call 970.641.0511 or visit clarkeagency.net.

HALL REALTY

Since 1978, Hall Realty Brokers have assisted clients in buying or selling their Lake City real estate, Hinsdale County and Gunnison County property with friendly, professional and trustworthy experience. Lake City real estate for sale includes a variety from small mountain vacation cabins to exclusive custom built year round log homes and seasonally accessible mining claims to large acreage parcels with river frontage.

We invite you to explore our site for additional information on the area, San Juan Mountain real estate and Hall Realty Vacation Rentals. Please contact us by phone, 970.944.8100, email, info@hallrealty.net or better yet, drop by our office at 269 South Gunnison Avenue.

GUNNISON BANK & TRUST

Authentic Banking

Since 1910. The Gunnison Bank and Trust Company will make every effort to craft an exceptional banking experience for each customer by catering to their individual and commercial financial needs.Call 970.641.0320 or visit gunnisonbank.com.

NESBITT & COMPANY, LLC.

NESBITT & COMPANY

The three team members of Nesbitt & Company, llc, have lived, worked and played in Gunnison for a total of 117 years. We have volunteered personal time and service to our community. We are committed to assisting our community, clients and customers grow and prosper. Call 970.641.2235.

REALTY Today realty specializes in real estate sales, rentals vacation rentals and caretaking. Proudly Serving Gunnison, Crested Butte & nearby mountain communities For Over 30 Years. Call 970.641.0077 or visitbhhstodayrealty.com.

GUNNISON REAL ESTATE AND RENTALS

Looking to sell your property? We will give you the information you need and the answers to the questions you may have and some you may forget to ask! Looking to buy property? We will provide you with all the information you need in order to find that perfect mountain property! Need help finding an investment? Or help in managing that investment rental? We can help you find an investment that will work and can manage it for you in order to get the maximum return on your investment. Give us a call at 970.641.4880.

NUVISTA

NuVista Federal Credit Union which was originally Montrose Federal Credit Union was established in 1964. It was built on honesty, integrity and self worth. We hold that same foundation today. When first opened the credit union was for federal employees only. Times have changed and we know now that the support of the community as a whole is what helps us to thrive. We changed our name on January 1, 2008 to reflect our growth in membership, and our coverage area that is not limited to just Montrose. Call 970.648.7020 or visit nuvista.org.

REMAX®

RE/MAX® agents have the experience to get the job done in today’s market1, backed by a robust network of over 140,000 agents in more than 9,000 offices worldwide. With our extensive global connections and deep local insights, you gain an edge that transcends what you'll find online. Regardless of market conditions, life moves on—people need to move, sell and buy. RE/MAX agents understand that market shifts open new doors of opportunity, and with a trusted and experienced RE/MAX agent, these opportunities are yours to seize. Call 970.641.1188 or visit gunnisonforsale.com.

MONARCH REALTY

Over the years, the experienced Brokers at Monarch Realty have sold hundreds of homes, ranches, riverfront sites, commercial and business properties, condominiums, cabins and recreation properties. If you are looking to sell or buy real estate in the Gunnison area, contact Monarch Realty, Inc. today. We are committed to the very best customer service paired with a focus on excellence for all your real estate needs. Call 970.641.1900 or visit \monarchrlty.com for more information.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH

Gunnison Valley Health has been serving patients since 1938. We understand the needs of our patients, and we’re committed to improving the health of our community by delivering truly exemplary healthcare services.

Here at Gunnison Valley Health, we’ve developed a care model that exceeds expectations. Our focus on those we serve is unparalleled, and we offer a rare level of personal service and compassion that is invaluable to our small community. Our values can be summarized by the acronym ICARE: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. Visit gunnisonvalleyhealth.com for more information.

HOME TOGETHER VETERINARY SERVICES

Home Together Veterinary Services is a mobile vet practice, offering in-home consultations and treatments for senior pets. We specialize in pain management, chronic disease support, arthritis solutions, laser therapy, hospice care, and end of life services. We provide professional and compassionate care for animals, in the comfort of home. Call 970.975.0298 or visit hometogethervet.com.

UPPER GUNNISON RIVER WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

The Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) was established in 1959.Our mission is to “being an active leader in all issues affecting the water resources of the Upper Gunnison River Basin.” The UGRWCD strives to develop, promote, and implement water conservation, augmentation, and management strategies to protect water resources for the benefit of its citizens, the economy, and the environment. For more information visit ugrwcd.org.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Western’s School of Graduate Studies offers ten degree programs and 23 specialized degree concentrations. Serving over 400 graduate students, these programs bring together distinguished professors and practitioners in a supportive academic environment dedicated to excellence. If you have questions about graduate studies at Western, contact graduatestudies@western.edu.

SHOPPING AND RETAIL

ABRACADABRA

Abaracadabra specializes in books, stationery, childrens toys , gifts & specialty items. Located at 211 N. Main St. in Gunnison. Call 970.641-3693 for more information.

DIAMOND BLUE POOL & SPA

Since 1996, Diamond Blue Pool & Spa have been offering high quality, luxury hot tubs. Our family owned business provides the highest level of service, repairs, chemicals, accessories, maintenance and water management you have come to expect. Call 970.349.6202 or visit diamondbluespa.com.

GENE TAYLORS SPORTING GOODS

Gene Taylors

Sporting Goods is a family-owned and operated retail store that has served Western Colorado for over 60 years with the notion that you should never leave your roots behind. We still believe this to be true even with our online expansion in 2008. Now, Gene Taylors Gunnison not only serves Western Colorado but outdoor enthusiasts across the globe. We pride ourselves on our warm, shopper-friendly atmosphere and our award-winning customer service. We encourage you to visit our store and see for yourself! Visit genetaylors.com.

GUNNISON VITAMIN & HEALTH FOOD STORE

Gunnison Vitamin & Health Food

Store has been supplying our community with ORGANIC, NATURAL, NON GMO and LOCAL FOODS (as well as supplements, health & beauty items and home goods) for almost 25 years! We’re proud to be a woman owned, family operated business with 4 generations running every aspect of the store. Call 970-6415928 or visit gunnisonvitamin.net.

GUNNISON RIVER FLY SHOP

Gunnison River Fly Shop has been a feature of the Gunnison River Valley in Colorado for many years. It is known for its wide variety of flies and fly fishing gear. The experienced helpful staff will help you find your way around the Gunnison valley for your own fishing adventure or set you up with a guided trip. A great way to cover a lot of water and see some beautiful country. Call 970.641.2930 or visit gunnisonflyshop.com.

IREPAIR

iRepair works to solve your electronic needs, whether its regarding your phone, your tablet, your laptop, or even your own knowledge. We love to fix those pesky devices you need every day. Screens, batteries, cameras, or charging ports - we can fix that. Don't know how to do something, we can show you how. Dropped it in water? See us ASAP! 118 N Wisconsin, Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri.

LAST DITCH THRIFT

A retail & resale shopping experience with a unique, boutique vibe! Sales from donated items support Project Hope. Donations by appointment only. Open 7 days a week! Located at 125 N. Main st. in Gunnison.

LOOKOUT TOWER

Lookout tower is a small, boutique dispensary bringing you top product selections at the best possible prices. We are nestled in Gunnison Colorado full of rugged peaks, hidden valleys, breathtaking canyons, and cannabis forged friendships.Located in Gunnison at 800 W. Rio Grande. Call 970.707.4020 or visit thelookout.green for more information.

PFISTER'S HANDWORKS

Crested Butte's most complete selection of gifts and souvenirs. The local's general store, located upstairs on the corner of 3rd St. and Elk Ave. Cards, candles, Burt's Bees, jewelry, pottery, Blue Q, picture frames, windsocks, toys, Rocky Mountain Sunscreen, Woodstock windchimes, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, candy, journals. We are the art supply store. Carrying Geo Central, House of Marbles, gift wrap, bags of balloons and ribbon. Just remember... if you can't find it here, I sold it yesterday! Established in 1980 and now in our 42nd year! Open year round. Call 970.349.6731 or visit pfisterscb.com.

STORYWEAVER GAMES

Storyweaver Games is a tabletop gaming store selling games and tabletop hobby supplies as well as providing a place where people can come and play games. In addition to our selection of board games, tabletop RPGs, warhammer and trading card games like magic and pokemon we also provide 3d printing services. Storyweaver Games is located at 901 W Tomichi in Gunnison CO and can be reached via phone at 970.648.0042 or email info@storyweaver. games.

TANGO

Tango is a boho chic boutique located in downtown Gunnison, Colorado. Woman owned and operated. Call 970.641.3833 or come visit at 144 N. Main St. in Gunnison.

TRADERS

RENDEZVOUS

Traders Rendezvous is a family-owned business that opened in June of 1988 and boasts "Colorado's largest display of mounted trophies and antlers." We have over 1,000 taxidermy mounts of close to 100 different species; hundreds of deer, elk, moose & caribou natural shed antlers, a large variety of full skull European mounts and custom antler chandeliers for sale. We also handle firearms; a collection of pre-1964 Winchesters as well as used hunting rifles. Traders Rendezvous is one of the most unique stores located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Gunnison, Colorado. Call 970.641.5077 or visit coloradoantlers.com.

TREADS 'N' THREADS

Treads ‘N’ Threads provides recreational footwear and apparel to Gunnison, CO. Comfort, Lifestyle, Value. These are the words that come to mind when you step into Treads ‘N’ Threads, located at 113 N. Main in Gunnison, CO. We specialize in comfortable clothing to accommodate your active lifestyle from great brands like Kuhl, Columbia, and Prana. Treat your feet to the pleasures of fantastic footwear from quality brands like Dansko, Merrell, Hoka, Sorel, Chaco, and Keen. From hiking to running and working to traveling, we can cover you from head to toe. Combining fashion and function with great value – that’s our motto at Treads ‘n’ Threads! Call 970.641.1551 or visit treadsnthreads.com.

CRESTED BUTTE

BENCHMARK MORTGAGE

We believe that in today’s ever changing financial markets, the mortgage you select is as unique as your own fingerprint. You deserve to know how to select the correct mortgage product to fit your long and short term financial goals and dreams. Incorrect choices may unknowingly cost you and your family thousands of dollars over the life of your home loan. We see our primary role as your personal resource for information; to help you make informed financial decisions, and to integrate your home loan into your overall investment goals. We are committed to providing you with world class service and an unsurpassed home loan experience. Please contact us today at 970.713.0901 for prompt assistance.

COLDWELL BANKER

For over a century, home has been our purpose – it's a place and a feeling unlike any other. Benefit from our powerful network and get world-class guidance when you buy or sell with Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Call 970.349.5007 or visit coldwellbanker.com.

CB CUSTOM CLOSETS

Locally owned and operated since 2018, CB Custom Closets designs and installs custom storage solutions in and around Crested Butte, Colorado. Owner Robin Yost works with local designers, contractors, and homeowners to bring together clients’ dream spaces and storage solutions in homes throughout the Gunnison Valley. Call 970.596.1248 or visit cbcustomclosets.com.

CRESTED BUTTE GLASS

At Crested Butte Glass you get a quick response, up-front pricing, and ‘Signature quality’ installation.CBG has a wide variety of glass types in stock and a local shop to cut, polish, drill, and fabricate glass so you have the fastest possible delivery. The founder has over 30 years’ experience in the glass industry and has installed about every type of glass imaginable. This know-how is a key element in making sure you have the best possible professional experience. Call 970-6414017 or visit crestedbutteglass.com.

DIAMOND BLUE

POOL AND SPA

Offering Dimension

One Spas supplies & parts, pool tables, maintenance contracts and repairs on all makes and models. Call 970.349.6202 or visit diamondbluespa. com.

FANTASY RANCH

We offer horseback riding through the mountains and valleys of the Colorado back-country. Our specialty is the trailrides on Snodgrass Mountain from our stables in Mt.Crested Butte. Our experienced wranglers and horses can show you the time of your life! Your Fantasies are sure to be fulfilled here. Call 970.349.5425 or visit fantasyranchoutfitters.com.

ALMONT

THREE RIVERS RESORT

Located in beautiful Almont, Colorado we offer fishing, rafting and lodging. We are home the the Three Rivers Smokhouse which features onsite smoked meats including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, wings corned beef, bacon and chicken. We host rehearsal dinners, weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, corporate retreats and more! Call 970.641.1303 or visit 3riversresort.com.

Shop local!

LAKE CITY

CRYSTAL PEAK PROPERTIES

Hello! I'm Kelsey Loftis at Crystal Peak Properties, your personal real estate broker, and I'm all about transparency, clarity, and adding maximum value to your journey. With a local touch and years of experience, I'm here to create a clear path for you. Expect open and honest communication, savvy marketing strategies, and top-notch negotiation skills tailored just for you. I bring in the latest tech to simplify the process, and my local connections open doors to exclusive opportunities. Your success is my priority, and I'm committed to providing a transparent, clear, and valuable real estate experience. Let's turn your real estate goals into reality together! Call 970-784-6768, email Crystalpeakproperties.com or visit kelseyloftis@crystalpeakproperties.com

SAN JUAN ADVENTURES

We’re located in Lake City, Colorado, about 50 miles southwest of Gunnison in the San Juan Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains. The Lake City area boasts an abundance of fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping – plus plenty of Jeep, ATV, and snowmobile trails. Lake City Auto & Sports Center is the place to come for the best selection of ATVs, side-by-sides, and snowmobiles to explore it! We offer side-by-side rentals, Jeep rentals, and snowmobile tours and rentals. So whether you live in Colorado or you are just visiting, Lake City Auto is your center for adventures in the San Juan Mountains! Call 970.944.2311 or visit lakecityauto.com.

THE MATTERHORN MOTEL

The Matterhorn Motel has been an iconic Lake City lodging property since 1949, including the vintage neon sign. Our rooms are updated, clean and comfortable. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Lodging located in Lake City's downtown historic district 2 blocks off the main highway and tucked up against the mountain for a quiet experience. You'll be in walking distance to dining, shopping, trails, the ice park and two fish filled rivers. Call 970.944.2210 or visit matterhornmotel.com.

ADVERTISER INDEX

FAITH DIRECTORY

St. Peter's, Wisconsin & Georgia, Gunnison

St. Rose of Lima, Silver St., Lake City

Saturday worship: 4 p.m.

Queen of All Saints, 4th and Sopris, Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday Mass: 5:30 p.m.

1st Sunday of the Month

Bilingual Mass: 11 p.m.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

307 W. Virginia Ave., Gunnison 970.641.0429

goodsamaritangunnison.org

First Sunday: 11 a.m. check website for location (Gunnison or Crested Butte)

2nd-5th Sundays: 9 a.m.

Taize: First Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m.

Visit our Partnership Church

All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte 403 Maroon Avenue (UCC Church) 2nd-5th Sundays: 5 p.m.

COMMUNITY CHURCH

107 N. Iowa St. • 970.641.0925

Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30am.

Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry

Student & Young Adult Ministry

Adult LifeGroups. Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Join us in-person. Listen at 98.3 FM. Live Stream on YouTube. Transforming Lives. Building Communities. For more info visit ccgunnison.com or email info@ccgunnison.com

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

523 N. Pine • 970.641.1813

Pastor Joe Ricks

Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30 a.m.

Online Worship: 9:30 a.m.

Nursery & Children's Ministry: 9:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study: 8 a.m. LIFE Groups throughout the week. Doing life today. trinitybaptistgunnison.com trinity@trinitybaptistgunnison.com

B'NAI BUTTE CONGREGATION

PO Box 2537 Crested, Butte 305-803-3648 bnaibutte.org

Serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and the East River Valley in Colorado. Spiritual Leader Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com. bnaibutte@gmail.com

MT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

711 N. Main • 970-641-1860

Senior Pastor Robert Carabotta Assoc. Pastor Jacob With Children's Sunday School: Sunday 9 a.m.

Adult Sunday School: Sunday 9 a.m.

Divine Service of the Word: Sunday 10 a.m.

CHURCH OF CHRIST

600 E. Virginia • 970-641-1588

Sunday Morning Bible Class: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m.

BETHANY CHURCH

909 N. Wisconsin St. Gunnison

Two services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

FREE lunch for college students following the 10:30 a.m. service.

Family Service with nursery & children’s church: 9 a.m.

Check out our website for updates! gunnisonbethany.com

Or download our app on the App Store by searching Gunnison Bethany.

Restaurant

• Fishing

• Hiking

• Dirt Biking

• Mountain Biking

• Camping

• Off-Roading

• Bird Watching

room has a private bathroom with mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. We are pet friendly.

Go on an Adventure

• Hunting (Unit 66/65)

• Mushroom Hunting

• Snowmobiling

• Snowshoeing

• Shooting Activities we Enjoy

• Cross-Country Skiing

• Small to Mid-Size Group Gatherings

Scan for special discounted room reservation exclusively for Gunnison Country Magazine

Rent a Polaris Side-by-Side in the summer or a Polaris Snowmobile in the winter and explore our back country, the Alpine Plateau. We are a drivein and ride-out facility! For more info Call (970) 275-4889 or go to www.alpineplateau.com

Scan to make your side-by-side or snowmobile reservation. Be sure to use Promo Code Gunnison21 for special discounts exclusively for Gunnison Country Magazine

Mindy worked with us tirelessly to find exactly what we wanted in the north end of the valley. Mindy stuck with us through an extensive search for our “dream home” over two years. We couldn’t be happier with our land, our home (she helped us identify the builder) and our friendship with Mindy. We would not hesitate to recommend Mindy for any real-estate needs in the Gunnison Valley! M. CROCKETT

196 Mohawk Trail, Wilderness Streams